[Liesje]

Define focus? The dog should not be unwilling to move with the handler nor pop forward and take a dirty jab at the helper. At this point the helper is stationary (and the handler may have asked him to take a step back away from the dog). You say "fuss" and then heel away, whichever way you choose but I don't know anyone that doesn't turn left. Then some people kind of back their dog into position and others take a circle around into position.

During protection I don't really want my dog doing fancy prancy happy face heeling, I prefer him to just walk with me and look forward (or at the helper), but he MUST heel when I say heel. Yes if the dog is crowding such that the handler is pushing him into position that probably incurs point deductions. How much would depend on the level of the trial and the overall picture.