Hey Butch

[eSPO]

Butch what is the best method to teach your dog that nice little hop and sit by your side maneuver ? I believe they call it "finishing".

[ButchCappel]

That one is actually called a "swing" finish because the dogs motion is like "swinging" to your side. Brings me back to my AKC show days, this is popular with the small to medium dogs because it is flashy, but the larger dogs usually end up sitting crooked and that is a no-no in the AKC so not used as much with them, but, let me see what I remember.

Dog sits facing you just outside your left leg. With a smaller dog you would have the leash in your right hand with slack hanging down so that you can step forward and catch the slack across your knee or shin, with a larger dog you can still get the same effect by stepping into the dog and jerking the leash forward.

Give your heel command, Step forward forcefully with your left foot. Dog should quickly learn to "swing" sideways to avoid getting frieght trained. You must move forward quickly to keep the dog from retreating backwards, instead of swinging. We are counting on the dogs ability too anticipate when he hears the "heel" command.

Once the dog gets the idea to dodge, center them in front of you. From the greater distance the jump to dodge will be exagerated, and will start to look like a real "swing"

I never had much luck with my Dane in this but those little shelties that are eye level to your knee cap and can see it coming, wow they learn to swing fast.

Hope that is explained clearly, if not let me know and I will try again.