Hey, adventurers! 🌟 Check out these two short videos of me working with two different dogs, teaching them to switch sides while walking. This is a fantastic technique that can help when you want distance or need to use your body as a soft barrier when passing people, dogs, or other distractions .. city sidewalk or single=track trail. 🚸
🔄 THE TECHNIQUE:
Switching sides from heel position (left to right, or vice versa) is like teaching your dog to glide gracefully from one side of you to the other while walking. It’s great for creating space, controlling movement, and keeping your dog focused on you, rather than what’s happening around them! 💪
👩🏫 WHO’S DOING THE WORK?
Is it the dog? Is it the human? 🤔 Honestly, it's a little bit of both! This trick can be done at different levels, so whether you're working with a low-level trained dog or a seasoned pro, you can absolutely make it happen with some practice. 🌟
💡 TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
- Start without a leash — Practice this move until you're both fluent at it.
- Add the leash later — Once the dog has the hang of it, introduce a leash for better control.
- Bonus: If you’ve already taught your dog to spin, this trick will be even easier to add to your training toolkit!
This technique is super helpful for all dogs, and with some patience, both you and your dog will get smoother with every walk! 🐾
💬 Have you tried teaching your dog to switch sides during walks? Share your experience below, or let me know if you need any tips to get started!
👇 Drop a comment or ask a question—I’m here to help you out!