Take A Good Look At The Heeling ExerciseWho Is Losing The Most Points?

by John Cox

Few would argue that heeling is the most difficult exercise in which to earn a perfect score. It is also a very “busy” exercise to judge and after a performance is over there are those handlers who want to know where their DOG may have lost points. Also, there will be times when spectators are watching a run-off and can’t figure out why a Judge made the decision in favor of the dog that appeared to make MORE heeling errors.

When observing the heeling exercise there is a LOT more to concentrate on than just the Heel Position of the dog. In fact, there are many functions that take place during a heeling pattern; when penalties occur, don’t always point the finger to the DOG. If the dog is not at fault, then who do we point to for the less than perfect score? No, the Judge is not the correct answer this time!

Let’s first look at the Obedience Regulations as to the principal part of heeling to better understand the performance and scoring. Chapter 3 Section 5 reads:

“The principal feature of this exercise is the ability of the dog and handler to work as a team.”

Well, lookie there – this is a TEAM effort and BOTH the dog and handler are to be evaluated. Most of us know the five errors by the dog in heeling (forge, lag, crowd, wide, not straight in line with the direction of the handler). This article will concentrate on the handler during the heeling exercise and where THEY can error and lose some or all the points for the team.

So, what is a perfect handler? The Regulations mention under Purpose that all participants should be guided by the principles of good sportsmanship both in and outside the ring. Also, their performances in the ring must be accurate and correct and must conform to the requirements of the Regulations. Chapter 2, Section 2 (Standard of Perfection) states the Judge must carry a mental picture of the theoretically perfect performance in each exercise and score each dog and handler against this visualized standard. The HANDLER is to show NATURALNESS, GENTLENESS, and SMOOTHNESS in handling. The DOG is to show the utmost in willingness and enjoyment and precision in performing. Don’t confuse the duties between the dog and handler.

The items listed below are some of the more common errors a HANDLER can make during the heeling exercise. The error might be ever so slight or it can be a major point buster for the team.

Position of hands
Loud commands, audible signals and peremptory commands
Starting the heeling pattern
Lack of briskness during heeling
Lack of briskness during the Figure Eight
Wide and narrow turns on the Figure Eight
Delay of, or anticipating, the Judge’s order
Military turns, Wide turns
Hesitating on About turns
Not noticeably accelerating speed on the Fast
Not noticeably decelerating speed on the Slow
Additional commands or signals, touching the dog
Motions of the body that aid the dog
Carrying or offering food
Roughness in handling, military precision

I will go into a little more detail on each item listed above. The best way to avoid a penalty is to beware of actions that lead to that penalty.

1. POSITION OF THE HANDS DURING HEELING

CHAPTER 3, SECTION 5: The leash may be held in either hand or in both hands, provided the hands are in a natural position. However, any tightening or jerking of the leash or any act, signal or command which in the Judge’s opinion gives the dog assistance shall be penalized.” Natural is defined in the Regulations Glossary of Terms as not artificial; free of affectation, and customarily expected in the home or public places.”

CHAPTER 2, SECTION 19: “In all exercises in which the dog is required to ‘heel free’ one of the options below shall be followed: (1) the handler’s arms and hands shall move naturally at the handler’s side while in motion, and shall hang naturally at the handler’s sides while not in motion; (2) the right hand and arm must move naturally, while the left hand shall be held against, and centered in the front of the body, in the area of the waist. The left forearm shall be carried, as much as possible, against the body. In either of the above situations the hands and arms may be adjusted during the Fast portion of an exercise, in order to maintain balance. There shall be a substantial deduction if the hands and arms are not carried in one of the positions stated above.” A substantial is worth 3 or MORE points. The hands and arms are NOT required to SWING like a speed walker in a race, but they must MOVE NATURALLY at the side or sides while the handler is in motion. Remember the definition of natural as stated in the Glossary.

2. LOUD COMMANDS, AUDIBLE SIGNALS AND PEREMPTORY COMMANDS

Loud commands, which in the Judge’s opinion are excessively loud, will be SUBSTANTIALLY penalized. It might be wise to teach signals so if the noise level at the show is a bit intense you will have an option. You never know when a loud speaker might come on or a plane will fly over. If you choose to use a signal it MUST be inaudible and you CANNOT touch the dog while giving the signal. Any unusual noise or motion may be considered to be a signal. Give some thought to your clothing and jewelry to make sure they will remain quiet during the performance. While on the subject of signals keep the following in mind: A. Signaling a correction to a dog is forbidden and must be penalized.

A signal MUST be a single gesture with one arm and hand only, and the arm must IMMEDIATELY be returned to a NATURAL position.

Peremptory commands are defined as expressing a command or dictatorial. Drill sergeants are best known for using this type of command. Keep in mind, during the “early” years of obedience there were quite a few ex-servicemen showing “retired war dogs” and this type of military-like command was not the impression the AKC wanted to leave with the public.

3. STARTING THE HEELING PATTERN

Here is an interesting example where the handler makes the error and the dog is perceived as the one at fault. Picture the handler who gives the command or signal to heel AS the HANDLER steps out. By the time the dog has had a chance to respond promptly, the handler is the one who moved out of heel position. The error that actually occurred was the HANDLER lacked smoothness. Smoother handling would have been to give the command or signal and pause that split second giving the dog a chance to respond. Then BOTH dog and handler step out in perfect heel position. “Split second pause” are the key words. A pause too long could also be scored as an aid to the dog, which is another handler error. It takes practice to perfect the correct timing. This is a TEAM effort and BOTH members need to work TOGETHER.

4. LACK OF BRISKNESS DURING HEELING

Chapter 3, Sections 5 and 6 describe the requirements and penalties associated with heeling. Regardless of the obedience class, the description of heeling will always refer back to these sections. So let’s look at just the part on briskness as it relates to the handler. Section 5 states the handler shall walk BRISKLY and in a NATURAL MANNER with his dog on a loose leash. The Glossary of Terms defines brisk/briskly as keenly alive, alert, energetic. The sharp Judge will be observing the HANDLER, along with the dog, from the first order of “Forward” to the last order, “Exercise Finished.” As the handler moves about the ring the Judge will be watching to see if the handler maintains brisk heeling throughout the pattern. Remember, the Judge will match the performance of the handler with their theoretically perfect performance. As the handler is moving briskly they also must move in a NATURAL MANNER (defined in the Glossary), demonstrating smoothness and gentleness.

If the HANDLER fails to comply, Section 6 sets the course of action a Judge must take. If the HANDLER CONSTANTLY CONTROLS the performance by tugging on the leash or ADAPTS PACE TO THAT OF THE DOG, the dog MUST be scored NQ. Obviously, the dog is not under control and the handler is supplying aid. Also, substantial or minor deductions shall be made for failure to walk at a BRISK pace, occasional guidance with the leash or other imperfections.

If a handler is disabled, the Judge may modify the specific requirements for the handler to the extent necessary to permit physically challenged handlers to compete. According to Chapter 2, Section 14, “Dogs handled by such handlers shall be required to perform all parts of all exercises as described in these Regulations, and shall be penalized for failure to perform any part of an exercise.”

5. LACK OF BRISKNESS DURING THE FIGURE EIGHT

The Figure Eight exercise reveals a great deal in regards to the TEAMWORK of a team. This section will address the handler moving at a brisk pace. The handler must also beware of the way they make the turns in the Figure Eight, and motions of their body that might be perceived as aiding the dog. I will cover these items later.

The handler must walk BRISKLY throughout the Figure Eight while exhibiting smoothness, naturalness and gentleness. Briskly (keenly alive, alert, energetic) does not mean the handler must speed walk or race around the posts. One will want to practice a pace that is smooth and natural while meeting the criteria of brisk. The brisk pace on the Figure Eight may differ from the brisk pace in the heeling pattern. The pace of the Figure Eight does not need to be the SAME SPEED as in the heeling pattern, but it still must be brisk. This brisk pace must be MAINTAINED throughout all parts of the Figure Eight. As the handler is moving at CONSTANT brisk pace, the DOG is the team member that does the work to maintain Heel Position. It is up to the DOG to accelerate on the outside turn and decelerate on the inside turn. If the HANDLER starts to adapt pace to that of the dog, the handler will be the one losing points. If the handler fails to move at a brisk pace the Judge will have to penalize as outlined in Chapter 2, Section 2 and Chapter 3, Section 6.

6. WIDE AND NARROW TURNS ON THE FIGURE EIGHT

The HANDLER must heel a “fine line” in order to perform THEIR PART of the perfect Figure Eight. The Regulations state the handler will start from a position about equidistant from the two Stewards and facing the Judge. They may choose to go in either direction and shall walk briskly twice completely around and between the two Stewards. The way in which a handler travels around the Figure Eight may be subject to a penalty. Let us see how this can occur.

First, the two Stewards are to stand eight feet apart for ALL breeds of dogs. (It is the Judge’s responsibility to make sure the Stewards conform to this requirement.) The handler and dog start equidistant from the two Stewards and go around each Steward making the pattern of an eight. The handler who goes wide on the inside turn is defeating the purpose of the Figure Eight and is subject to a penalty. One reason a handler may go wide is because of the dog crowding, and the handler is moving out of its way. Two errors have occurred – the dog crowded and the handler went wide to aid the dog. The handler would have been better off maintaining the proper figure of eight and live with the crowding penalties applied to the dog.

At the other end of the Figure Eight the opposite can occur. A handler may cut close to a Steward to make a sharper turn thus giving aid to the dog. The aid the dog receives is that less ground is traveled, hence there is less of a chance for lagging or crowding. Also, a handler may go wide at the outside turn to “cover” the dog going wide.

The Figure Eight is a VERY difficult exercise for both the dog and handler to perform perfectly. It can be done, but it takes a TEAM effort to conform to the requirements of the Regulations and be accurate and correct.

7. DELAY OF, OR ANTICIPATING, THE JUDGE’S ORDER

Chapter 2, Sections 20 and 24 point out the handler must be penalized for delay in following, or anticipating, a Judge’s order. The exception would be if a delay is directed by the Judge because of some distraction or interference.

First, a Judge must be alert to their timing of an order so the handler will have time to respond and maintain a smooth performance. When the Judge gives an order there is a reasonable amount of time given for the handler’s response. Putting this time element into words is a little difficult. Many Judges allow the handler a couple of steps. The experienced Judge will not bother “counting steps” but instinctively knows when too much time has elapsed. If in the Judge’s opinion the handler is delaying the order a penalty is then assessed.

In many cases, a handler will delay or anticipate a Judge’s order because the dog is not turning in a perfect performance. For example, on the Fast, handlers have been known to stop the Fast pace ON THEIR OWN before the “Normal” order is given. In this scenario the dog is usually lagging. There will also be times when a handler will anticipate a turn before the Judge gives the order to turn, and other times the handler may delay a Judge’s order to turn. As the Judge is observing these situations it becomes obvious that the handler is aiding the teammate’s errors of lagging or forging, or they are just not paying attention. Once again, the handler would be better off to live with the dog’s error and not add to the points coming off by making handler errors.

8. MILITARY TURNS, WIDE TURNS

A simple ninety-degree turn, or About turn, in a heeling pattern is not really all that simple or easy. When making a turn the handler has to concentrate on the following:

Be prompt in response to the Judge’s order
Be smooth and natural in turning
Avoid military turns
Avoid wide turns
Avoid motions of the body that aid the dog
Avoid roughness in handling

Items A-B have been discussed earlier so let’s focus on items C-D and see where the handler may error. Items E-F will be covered later.

Military turns are a “sharp” ninety-degree turn, peppered with body English. We have all seen thistype of turn watching marching college bands or military troops in formation. This style of turn in the obedience ring is to be penalized per Chapter 2, Section 2 and the Purpose.
If a military turn is one extreme then a wide turn is at the other end of the scale. So, why dohandlers sometimes widen their turns? Picture the dog which is forging or crowding as the handler is going into a turn. The handler then makes a wider turn to aid the dog; or, the dog is doing such an extreme case of forging or crowding the handler can’t do anything else! Of course, both team members are making errors and both are penalized. It takes work to develop a smooth, natural Right or Left turn that is neither too sharp nor too wide.

9. HESITATION ON ABOUT TURNS

The About turn is another fairly common area for a handler to lose points in the handling. Let us look at what is involved in making an About turn. As the handler is walking in a straight line they turn in place and walk in the opposite direction. Immediately after making the turn the handler must step out of the turn without hesitation. He who hesitates will subject himself to a penalty. Hesitation or “marking time” after the turn aids the dog. Let’s face it, a handler who is slow in making the turn or stepping out of the turn is giving the dog a chance to catch up or maintain Heel Position. It is up to the DOG to accelerate while on the outside of the turn in order to maintain Heel Position.

Also keep in mind, a “U” turn is not an About turn! If fact, a “U” turn is the widening of an About turn and is subject to a penalty as discussed above. Finally, when making About turns in the obedience ring the handler MUST do a RIGHT About turn. Left About turns will cost the handler points (Chapter 3, Section 5).

If one is not thinking through their handling performance a multitude of errors can add up. Stop and think of all the turns in a heeling pattern.

10. NOT NOTICEABLY ACCELERATING SPEED ON THE FAST

Next time at an obedience trial sit outside the ring and just watch the handlers doing a Fast. It will become apparent that there is a wide variety in the actions of JUST the HANDLERS. This “leg” of the heeling pattern is a tough one to get perfect. The handler’s performance during the Fast should have the following characteristics:

Prompt response to the Judge’s orders “Fast” and “Normal”
Smooth and natural in RUNNING
Handler RUNNING at a noticeably accelerated speed forward
Avoiding motions of the body that aid the dog
Avoiding roughness in handling

Item C is the one we will look at in detail. (Items A-B have been covered. Items D-E will be covered later.) According to Chapter 3, Section 5, “‘Fast’ signifies that the handler must run, handler and dog moving forward at noticeably accelerated speed.” Section 6 calls for a SUBSTANTIAL deduction for failure of dog or HANDLER to noticeably accelerate speed forward during the Fast. Remember, a substantial is THREE or MORE points, per the Glossary of Terms. There are several reasons why a handler fails to perform a correct and accurate Fast:

The handler may be disabled and cannot do a correct Fast
The handler does not have a clue as to what RUNNING on the Fast involves to meet the criteria in the Regulations
The handler is aiding the dog

Whatever the reason, the Judge MUST penalize the handler as mentioned in Chapter 2, Sections 2, 14, 20, 21, 24, and Chapter 3, Section 6 to mention a few!

11. NOT NOTICEABLY DECELERATING SPEED ON THE SLOW

A handler performing a Slow will need to keep the same items in mind as mentioned for the Fast. Of course, the only difference is the handler is moving at a Slow pace. The penalties for a poor Slow are the same as for a poor Fast and the Chapters and Sections above will apply.

When a handler goes into a Slow they must NOTICEABLY DECELERATE speed and MAINTAIN that decelerated speed. As the order comes for “Normal” the handler then must ACCELERATE back to a BRISK pace. Common areas for errors are handlers who don’t NOTICEABLY slow and then fail to change pace after the “Normal” order. This handler then continues on to the next turn in their less-than brisk pace.

12. ADDITIONAL COMMANDS OR SIGNALS, TOUCHING THE DOG

If a handler were to give an additional command or signal, a substantial penalty will be applied to the score. There may be times when a handler will want to give an extra command or signal and lose points as a result. For example, if the DOG “quits” heeling the handler then gives an extra command or signal; this action might bring the dog’s attention back into focus. Three or more points will be deducted but the exercise may be “saved” as the end result. The handler should keep this in mind and know where and when to apply the extra command or signal if needed. Be cautioned that if more than one extra command or signal is given the Judge will start to question if the dog and handler are working as a team. The Judge could also perceive that the handler is TRAINING the dog and EXCUSE the team. The PRINCIPAL part of the heeling exercise is teamwork!

Additional signals may sneak up on the handler so beware of: A. Any unusual noise or motion may be considered a signal

Position of arms and hands and movements of the body that aid the dog shall be considered additional signals
A signal must be a single gesture with one arm and hand only and the arm and hand must IMMEDIATELY be returned to a NATURAL position

A handler MUST NOT touch the dog when giving a signal or at any other time during heeling. According to Chapter 2, Section 20, “Moving forward at the heel without any command or signal other than the natural forward movement of the handler’s body shall not be considered as anticipation.” A handler could move about the heeling pattern without giving ANY signal or command to the dog. Better make sure the dog understands this before it is tried!

13. MOTIONS OF THE BODY THAT AID THE DOG

Chapter 2, Section 20 of the Obedience Regulations states that any unusual noise or motion may be considered to be a signal, plus any movements of the body that aid the dog shall be considered additional signals. Handlers need to keep this regulation in mind during ANY exercise, but let’s look at just the motions of the body that aid the dog during the heeling. A few typical areas where errors in handling occur are during the:

Straight line heeling: Adapting pace to the dog is an aid to the dog. Other motions such as turning back to look at the dog, or maintaining constant eye contact, may be perceived by some Judges as an aid. Other Judges may not consider this natural.
Turns: A handler who goes into a turn and makes quick upper torso movements or excessive head movements, to cue the dog, is considered as giving aid to the dog. Hesitating while going into or out of a turn aids the dog. This action shows up most on About turns.
Fast or Slow: Handlers who use excessive up and down motions of the feet and legs, do not accelerate or decelerate, look back towards the dog, and use excessive torso movements forward and backwards are motions subject to a penalty.
Figure Eight: Straight line heeling errors can also be spotted on the Figure Eight. Hesitating on the turns and excessive shoulder motions while turning are common errors in this portion of the heeling.
Halts: Handlers stepping towards (into) the dog while coming to a halt, or the handler who stares at the dog that is not sitting, could be perceived as giving aid to the dog.
Chewing: Motions of the handler’s mouth, such as chewing, may be scored as an aid, or the handler may be excused for carrying food in the ring. The smart thing is not to chew gum or have anything in your mouth while in the ring, thus avoiding a chance for such an error.

The Judge is the one who is doing the perceiving, or determining what is excessive and what constitutes aiding the dog. He/she is looking for smoothness, naturalness and gentleness and these images are based on the Judge’s view of their standard of perfection. From the Judge’s standpoint, every infraction from perfection (providing it is at least worth one-half point) should be scored. If the handler before you makes a minor or substantial error and it is NOT scored, is this fair to YOU when YOU perform it perfectly? In theory, you would both be receiving the same score for different quality of work.

14. CARRYING OR OFFERING FOOD

Carrying food in the ring will lead to a penalty, and that penalty could be as much as 200 points! Chapter 2, Section 3 is very clear when it comes to carrying and/or offering food in the ring. A handler who carries and/or offers food, according to this section, must NEVER be awarded a qualifying score. Also, offering food could be called training the dog and the Judge may excuse the handler.

Food for Thought
A handler who stands outside the ring gate awaiting their turn and “spits” or offers food to the dog may create suspicion. Those observing will wonder if such a handler still has food when entering the ring. Why a handler would put himself or herself in such a light is beyond me. It might be best, if you plan to “pop” food, to consider doing it away from the obedience rings.

15. MOTIONS OF THE BODY THAT AID THE DOG

Straight line heeling: Adapting pace to the dog is an aid to the dog. Other motions such as turning back to look at the dog, or maintaining constant eye contact, may be perceived by some Judges as an aid. Other Judges may not consider this natural.
Turns: A handler who goes into a turn and makes quick upper torso movements or excessive head movements, to cue the dog, is considered as giving aid to the dog. Hesitating while going into or out of a turn aids the dog. This action shows up most on About turns.
Fast or Slow: Handlers who use excessive up and down motions of the feet and legs, do not accelerate or decelerate, look back towards the dog, and use excessive torso movements forward and backwards are motions subject to a penalty.
Figure Eight: Straight line heeling errors can also be spotted on the Figure Eight. Hesitating on the turns and excessive shoulder motions while turning are common errors in this portion of the heeling.
Halts: Handlers stepping towards (into) the dog while coming to a halt, or the handler who stares at the dog that is not sitting, could be perceived as giving aid to the dog.
Chewing: Motions of the handler’s mouth, such as chewing, may be scored as an aid, or the handler may be excused for carrying food in the ring. The smart thing is not to chew gum or have anything in your mouth while in the ring, thus avoiding a chance for such an error.

16. ROUGHNESS IN HANDLING, MILITARY PRECISION

Gentleness in handling being ideal, then roughness in handling or military precision in a performance needs to be avoided. Roughness may be viewed as a handler who gives “sharp” sounding commands or observing a handler’s physical manner in their way of going about the heeling pattern.

Earlier, military turns were mentioned but “marching” around the ring with military precision is also penalized per Chapter 2, Section 2. To review, Chapter 2, Section 2 states a theoretically perfect performance will include the HANDLER demonstrating SMOOTHNESS, NATURALNESS and GENTLENESS.

WHAT JUDGES SHOULD LOOK FOR IN THEIR HEELING PATTERNS

Heeling is in every AKC obedience class with the possible exception of Versatility (depending on what exercises the handler draws). In choosing a pattern that works for you, also consider the handler and dog. You must give ALL handlers and dogs an EQUAL opportunity to do the principal part of heeling — working as a team.

Teamwork is best performed when a heeling pattern is smooth. One way to accomplish this objective is to have only one heeling function for each leg of the pattern. This provides ALL teams a chance for a smooth performance. As a Judge, your orders are “Forward,” “Halt,” “Right turn,” “Left turn,” “About turn,” “Slow,” “Normal” and “Fast.” The orders may be given in any sequence and may be repeated. When two heeling functions are on one leg of a pattern it becomes choppy and the teamwork starts to suffer. For example, a Fast, Normal and Halt on one leg would be choppy. Picture an Irish Wolfhound doing this pattern smoothly. Another example: Heeling down the center of the ring and making a Right or Left turn and then Slow, using half the ring, before turning again. The choppy pattern will unfairly affect the performance of the larger and/or faster breeds. There is just less room and time to respond if too much is going on during one leg of the heeling pattern. Remember, you are going to be judging these actions. The faults you observe MAY have been caused by YOU not giving thought to the heeling pattern. The small breeds will start to gain an advantage and you, as a Judge, will find your goals of fairness and consistency going down the tubes. A pattern does not have to be long to achieve the smooth objective. The simple “L” pattern lends itself to a smooth performance if you give some thought to where different heeling functions will take place.

FIGURE EIGHT

When planning the area for the Figure Eight think about the ring barriers and, in Open, also consider the jumps. You want to provide ALL dogs the opportunity to go around the outside post and not have to concern themselves with the possibility of running into an object. Figure Eight posts that are in the corners of a ring or too close to a jump jeopardize the performance of the larger breeds. This type of setup is also too restrictive for some disabled handlers and their dogs. If you are judging indoors and using mats on slick floors, use THREE mats if possible. Large breeds should have mats under them at all times during the Figure Eight if that is the case for the smaller breeds. If the Superintendent provides the equipment they are REQUIRED to provide at least seven mats for each obedience ring.

As you set up for the heeling exercise ask yourself, “Is this exercise going to be fair to ALL breeds and handlers when they enter my ring?” Another point to keep in mind is the disabled handlers and their space requirements. Make a mental picture of an Irish Wolfhound being handled by a person in a wheelchair. With this in mind you should have no problem in setting up a ring that is fair to all who enter.

SUMMARY

If one is aware of the areas where points may be lost, then one can take appropriate action to avoid losing such points. So, if the score in your next heeling performance is a bit of a disappointment, don’t be too quick to point the finger at the dog or Judge. Your dog and/or the Judge may just put a mirror in front of YOUR finger showing YOU who was responsible for the errors!

If perfection, or a way to shore up some points, is what you are trying to achieve, keep in mind the fifteen items covered:

Position of hands
Loud commands, audible signals and peremptory commands
Starting the heeling pattern
Lack of briskness during heeling
Lack of briskness during the Figure Eight
Wide and narrow turns on the Figure Eight
Delay of, or anticipating, the Judge’s order
Military turns, Wide turns
Hesitating on About turns
Not noticeably accelerating speed on the Fast
Not noticeably decelerating speed on the Slow
Additional commands or signals, touching the dog
Motions of the body that aid the dog
Carrying or offering food
Roughness in handling, Military precision