Question about off-leash casual walking

[Anthony8858]

A few days ago, I started working on teaching Kira off leash walking. It's a simple side heel (not a tight heel). One of the things I need, is the proper "correction" or "command" for when she drifts apart a bit, or walks ahead.

Today, we walked the entire trail, off leash (about a mile). She stayed next to me, and when she began to drift, I used a command she was familiar with "closer" or "ah-ah". Every time she would drift, I would say "closer" or ah-ah, and she would look up at me, and tighten up into a side position. I'm not satisfied with the command, but very happy at her response so far.

We passed stray cats, squirrels, and (her favorite chase, ..geese). She never moved. I was very happy with her. This is something we could perfect.

I would like a specific command that's typically used for this exercise.

[doggiedad]

if "closer" or "ah-ah" is working what's wrong with that? i use "over here"
or "hey, over here" or "Loki, right here" as i pat my leg. my dog heels
on either side with or without a leash. when i want him to switch sides
i say "other side". it doesn't matter which side he's on. when i say
"switch sides" he changes sides.

i don't know of a specific command for your exercise but i don't think
it matters what you say as long as Kira responds appropriately.

[Cassidy's Mom]

Use whatever command makes sense to you, it really doesn't matter what word you use.

[Bigdogsolo]

Seems like you have your command. You said it , she reacts in the manner you want! Sometimes simple is best

[llombardo]

Originally Posted by Anthony8858

A few days ago, I started working on teaching Kira off leash walking. It's a simple side heel (not a tight heel). One of the things I need, is the proper "correction" or "command" for when she drifts apart a bit, or walks ahead.

Today, we walked the entire trail, off leash (about a mile). She stayed next to me, and when she began to drift, I used a command she was familiar with "closer" or "ah-ah". Every time she would drift, I would say "closer" or ah-ah, and she would look up at me, and tighten up into a side position. I'm not satisfied with the command, but very happy at her response so far.

We passed stray cats, squirrels, and (her favorite chase, ..geese). She never moved. I was very happy with her. This is something we could perfect.

I would like a specific command that's typically used for this exercise.

Pick one of those and use it. It works, don't confuse her. I use "With Me" and it works fine.

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by doggiedad

if "closer" or "ah-ah" is working what's wrong with that? i use "over here"
or "hey, over here" or "Loki, right here" as i pat my leg. my dog heels
on either side with or without a leash. when i want him to switch sides
i say "other side". it doesn't matter which side he's on. when i say
"switch sides" he changes sides.

i don't know of a specific command for your exercise but i don't think
it matters what you say as long as Kira responds appropriately.

This is the answer I was looking for. I tend to over think these things

I had a concern about mixing commands for different exercises.

Thanks all.

[doggiedad]

different exercises different commands ( i guess ).

Originally Posted by Anthony8858

This is the answer I was looking for. I tend to over think these things

>>>>> I had a concern about mixing commands for different exercises.<<<<<

Thanks all.