In rally obedience, the "around" behavior is one of the most frequently used skills, second only to heeling. It is most commonly seen in the right finish, but many other signs also incorporate the dog circling the handler. Teaching around as a solid behavior will be a valuable investment as you and your dog progress through the rally levels.
When competing in higher-level events, having a speedy and reliable around behavior is crucial. Dogs that circle their handlers slowly lose precious time on this one move. By incorporating games and exercises that focus on speeding up your dog's around, you can enhance their performance in the ring.
Teaching Around: The Basics
Let's start with the fundamentals of teaching around. One of the easiest ways to introduce the concept is by using a prop that your dog is familiar with. Props can act as magnets for dogs, as they associate them with rewards.
Position a pivot bowl or a sit platform in heel position, with your dog in front of you. Once your dog is in position, lure them around your body to your right, guiding them toward the prop. If you prefer not to use a prop, you can use treats instead. Hold one treat in each hand. Lure your dog behind your back with your right hand, then use the treat in your left hand to guide them into the heel position.
As your dog becomes familiar with the around behavior, gradually fade the lure and replace it with a hand signal. Once your dog is confident, you can introduce the verbal cue "around." However, make sure your dog fully understands the behavior before adding the cue to avoid confusion.
Here's a video demonstrating the process.
The Left About Turn
In the Novice level, the left about turn requires a moving around behavior. This is a prime example of why a speedy around is important.
Check out this demonstration.
Teaching Around for Advanced Levels
As you move into the upper levels of rally, you'll encounter more signs that require around behaviors. Some will be variations of the right finish, while others will present new challenges.
Here are a few examples:
Halt Dog Circles Right Sit
Right/Left Turn Dog Circles Right Forward
Double Left About Turn
Master Level Signs
At the Master level, you'll see multiple variations of right finishes combined with forward movements. The faster your dog can complete the around behavior, the better your overall performance. Here's an example of a Master-level sign.
Tips for Speeding Up the Around Behavior
To help your dog develop a faster and more confident around behavior, try incorporating the following techniques into your training routine:
- Toss a treat or toy forward as your dog circles you to encourage speed.
- Give the around cue, then run forward to engage your dog in a chase game, rewarding them when they catch up.
- Incorporate a high hand touch as they finish the around behavior, followed by a reward.
These strategies will help reinforce a speedy around, making your dog's performance more efficient and competitive in the ring. With consistent practice, teaching around will become one of your dog's strongest skills.
Enjoy the process, and happy training!