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205 Exercises
Prepared by Linda Siekert
Heel
Heel position is very specific in formal obedience regardless of whether the dog is sitting, standing, laying down or moving; the space between the dogs head and shoulders should be aligned with the handler's left hip; the dog should be close to the handler's leg but not so close as to impede the handler's movement nor so close as to be touching the handler.
All obedience heeling patterns include a left turn, a right turn, an about turn, a fast pace, a slow pace, a normal pace and at least one halt, where the dog is expected to sit automatically. The judge will call out this pattern, which is the same for all class exhibitors on that day.
Like obedience, heel position in Rally is on the handlers left side, unlike obedience, heel position is not quite so rigid. While the rules state heeling is to be judged similarly to regular obedience, I have never found Rally judges to be as strict in their scoring of Rally heel work. In Rally, written signs will direct the handler.
Heeling is the only exercise you will find in every single obedience and rally class, therefore it is a true foundation exercise best learned from puppyhood.
Video taken by Purebred Studios at the 2010 BCOA National Specialty.
NEXT: Figure 8 Return to Exercises Return to Course #205 Obedience and Rally
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