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That cranked head position which will really throw the front off on a shorter and thick necked dog such as the Rottweiler, is NOT required in obedience and if it interfers, can cost points. Heel position is the dog's position in reference to the handlers leg (between nose and neck is to be by the handler's side) and has nothing to do with watching the handler's face. soooo, relax on that account. Dogs have perfectly good periphial vision and are acutely aware of any motion beside them. Just as I can walk down the sidewalk beside you and know where I am in relationship to you without cranking my head around to stare at your face, the dog can easily maintain heel position without staring at your face.
For those who want that type of heeling, it is fine and they train for it, but it is in no way described as desired let alone required
in the AKC obedience regulations.
BTW, most of our dogs are smart enough to learn the words "stand" "stay" or "sit" "stay" and can easily do obedience as well as conformation.  |