Starting in on heel work with my dog I am wondering why it is that typically dogs are sent back around our right side to slip into position on our left side. If the dog is on a lead being held by the left hand, then one has to swap hands and swap back or get wrapped up in the lead! Is there a reason dogs aren't rather sent back on the left side where the lead is held, to turn around and get into heel position? The lead would never have to switch hands. I'd be glad for input. Thank you.
Hi Clemens I don't know what country you live in, so I can't comment on your observation. There isn't any norm here in Australia. One can send the dog into position by directing the dog around the back of your legs or getting the dog to pivot on your left side. In obedience trials one is free to use either movement. I do encourage handlers to hold the lead in their right hand, which leaves the left hand free to give the hand-signal for stand, and in particularly to give treats to the dog. If the lead is held in the left hand and you do treat with the left hand--which makes sense because it does not encourage the dog to move around in front of you to "meet" the treat--then you risk flapping the lead in the dog's face. It's better to avoid such a potentially aversive practice.
