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- Did you observe good handling practices when dogs were being leashed and/or walked? Describe your personal observations.
- Describe two examples of how awareness was utilized by a handler.
- Describe two examples of how positioning was utilized by a handler.
- Give two examples of how contact with the dog was used in the handling.
I went to the park today and watched an owner handle leash training while around other people. When a human was approaching, the owner told the dog to stay next to him while the person walked by. The dog started to lean towards the person and the owner gently tugged back on the leash and said “sit”. The dog sat as directed and the owner gave him a treat promptly. The owner/handler was aware that the person was approaching and prepared to have his dog be curious towards the stranger. The stranger passed then the owner had the dog stand on his opposite side away from the foot traffic. Positioning the dog to his other side gave the dog less opportunity to pull away from the owner and to have less distractions. Another person walked by and the dog was walking next to the owner and the owner was saying “good” and giving him treats when he did not veer off the intended goal of walking without being distracted. The owner/handler was aware of his surroundings and objects approaching and was prepared for the dog to react and/or abide by his commands. The owner then had the dog sit first then positioned him to his other side to see if that would be better accepted. contact with the dog was positively reinforcing his behavior was he sat when being told and not being distracted by the second stimulus.