[nagdu] Having a bit of trouble convincing my dog to reverse course

[Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)]

My first dog did this. Drove me nuts. She was a shepherd, I believe yours is too?
I think you just have to take the leash and do it, don't expect them to guide.


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bryan Jones
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2012 9:26 AM
To: the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List
Subject: [nagdu] Having a bit of trouble convincing my dog to reverse course

Good Morning All,

In Marsha's blog, she mentions the "About" command, which sounds like it is used when you want to turn yourself and your dog around 180 degrees and head in the opposite direction. This reminded me that I've been meaning to ask for opinions on convincing my dog that it is OK to turn around and reverse course. My guide Marqi is quite hesitant to move forward if I've turned us around 180 degrees. Actually, to call her behavior "hesitant" is a serious understatement. She plumb will not budge until I've provided much cajoling and praise as we inch forward, for example, if we've left the house and I realize I've forgotten something and want to go back, or if we're halfway down a block and I realize I wanted to turn left at the previous intersection.

I don't recall learning a specific command for this at TSE, so I tend to just turn around and give the heel and forward commands. She obeys those commands without issue in normal travel, but strongly disobeys the forward command if I've turned us around.

I haven't found myself in this sort of situation often, but of course when it does arise I'm usually running late and would like to have a reliable way to quickly convince Marqi that I'm not getting us lost and that it is OK in this situation to reverse course.

Any experienced thoughts much appreciated,
Cheers,
Bryan


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