How to Teach Your Dog To Heel During the Set Up

Making an entrace is important for dogs, too. At a dog show, first impressions are key. For utility level competitions, a dog's poise is everything. Follow these tips to teach your dog the precision expected at the utility level. To win, dogs must be able to demonstrate perfect heeling and impeccable behavior in the set up area outside the ring.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. You need your dog’s full attention when you enter the utility ring and get a straight sit. Keep in mind that your performance actually starts outside the ring.
2. Make eye contact with your dog. Don't distract the dog by talking with anyone. Give your dog your total attention.
3. If it’s a hot day, set yourself back from the ring and out of the sun. When the steward motions to you, make sure you have the dog’s attention. Start heeling into the ring and cueing the dog for a sit.
   
4. When practicing dog sits, brake on your left foot as you pull upward with your leash in your left hand.
   
5. Take two short steps on your right and then left foot to complete the stop.
6. If your dog has a hard time with sits, add a verbal cue. Say "Halt" when you stop on the brake foot and "Sit" when you actually stop with your left foot.
   
7. Keep your dog’s attention in the ring, even while talking to the judge or ring steward.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• Practice keeping the dog’s attention when people talk to you. This will help prepare your dog for the ring and the set up area. Remember, your dog is always onstage at a show. Think of the set up as the "get set" area.