Getting Focus In Heeling

[4 Paws]

I'm finally getting quite good focus in heeling now with one of my gsd's but i've noticed she now kicking her bum out to the left instead of being straight.Any ideas of how we can fix it before it goes on..

We're not going to be trialling,just doing obedience at the local club so its not super important and am prettywrapped about finally getting the focus

[DeltaCharlie]

I have known a few dogs that do this. With those dogs it was pretty much a case of the dog having no rear-end awareness whatsoever. "Back legs? What do you mean I have back legs?" Not sure if that is the case here, its just what we found with these dogs. Lots of walking over ladders, perch work etc to increase rear end awareness helped the dogs to pay attention to their back legs and they walk much straighter now.

[Ptolomy]

Crabbing - argh I hate it when my kids do it.........

Where is your food - it can be caused by having food in your right hand or right pocket.

Are you standing up straight with your left elbow tucked in when heeling?

Is your dog actually in heel position or are they now too far forward?

Is your dog sore (this is why mine crabs and since having his back looked at - he doesn't do it now)

[dogdude]

I agree with Ptolomy.

Start rewarding with left hand..........do lots of left hand circles both big and small to help bring the back end back in. I would also move towards sending the dog to a target bag so the focus is not on "where the food is hiding".