by Nancy | Sep 26, 2024 | Competition, Obedience, Trial Preparation
When you are working on heelwork training to prepare for trials, here’s a fun drill you can try that will make your training more enjoyable and also help you identify training or handling issues. Plan your heeling pattern before you train your dog. Don’t...
by Nancy | Sep 24, 2024 | Competition, Obedience, Reinforcement
Reinforcement procedures can make or break your dog’s heel position. The method you use to reward your dog for heeling should be designed to ensure that potential issues, like forging or wide heeling, are not unintentionally built into the performance....
by Nancy | Sep 22, 2024 | Competition, Obedience
I was an AKC obedience judge for over 22 years, and I’d like to share a few heeling tips from the experience I’ve gained as a judge and a top competitor. Heeling Tip – In the obedience class I teach locally, I am constantly reminded that exhibitors...
by Nancy | Sep 9, 2023 | Competition, Obedience
This topic came up in a question from Amy Cook’s small dog webinar at the end of August. Unfortunately, I could not attend the webinar, but I was asked about my opinions later, giving me an excellent opportunity to think about it more. The question was...
by Nancy | Jan 31, 2023 | Competition, Obedience
Are you a new or inexperienced obedience or rally trainer learning to train heeling to your first competition dog? When you teach your dog a new skill, it goes smoother when you get your physical cues, positioning, and communication in order. In addition, planning and...
by Nancy | Nov 24, 2019 | Agility, Competition, Obedience
Preparing for competitive sports I’ve been involved in competitive sports my entire life. My Dad (John Gagliardi) is the all-time winningest college football coach. Mental management, positive training, proper preparation, and adjustments to handling (in...
