We practiced several turn signs tonight, including 90 degree turns left and right, about turn (to the right) and U turn (to the left), 270 degree turns right and left, and 360 degree turns left and right. There is a specific footfall pattern that is best to use while making a turn while heeling, that helps to cue the dog as well as accommodates his biomechanics so that he stays in perfect heel position.
As the handler turns right, the dog heeling on the handler's left has to make a bigger turn than does the handler. So as the handler turns 90 degrees right, for example, place your right foot to the right in a small step, then bring the left foot around the small step, then take another step with the right then proceed onward in a normal gate with the left. For a 90 degree turn you do one of these, for a 180 degree turn you do two of these, for a 270 degree turn you do three of these, and for a 360 degree turn you do four.
Here are the ASCA signs: https://www.asca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/rallyrules.pdf
The turn signs we practiced tonight include:
Pearls:
- Rally homework includes continuing to use a perch to reinforce heel position, front tuck sits, and practicing the turn signs for heeling
- Handler foot work is key to helping cue your dog and helping your dog maintain heel position; it helps your dog to turn your head and look where you are going before and while you make turns
