HEELWORK Meaning and
Definition
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Heelwork is a term used in dog training and dog sports to describe a specific set of behaviors and movements performed by a dog walking alongside its handler in a controlled and precise manner. It involves the dog walking on the left side of the handler, with its head held high and its attention focused on the handler. The dog's body is kept in alignment with the handler's leg, with the dog's shoulder in line with the handler's knee.
Heelwork requires the dog to walk at the same pace as the handler, maintaining a constant position and distance from the handler's side. It involves the dog responding promptly to the handler's commands and cues, such as speed changes, turns, and stops. The goal of heelwork is to reinforce the dog's obedience, focus, and coordination, and to establish a strong bond between the dog and its handler.
Heelwork is not only a common obedience command, but it is also an important component in various dog sports, such as obedience trials, rally obedience, and competitive obedience. In these competitions, dogs are judged based on their ability to perform precise and harmonious heelwork exercises. Through consistent training and practice, dogs can learn to exhibit exceptional heelwork, showcasing their discipline, responsiveness, and teamwork with their handler.
Etymology of HEELWORK
The word "heelwork" is derived from the combination of two words: "heel" and "work".
The term "heel" has Old English roots and originally referred to the back part of the foot. Over time, it came to be used in the sense of the back of a shoe or boot. Additionally, "heel" is also a verb meaning to follow closely behind someone or to walk in their footsteps.
The word "work" comes from Old English as well and is derived from the Germanic root word "werk", meaning "something done" or "activity".
When combined, "heelwork" specifically refers to a training technique in which a dog is taught to walk closely and obediently beside its owner by focusing on the command "heel". The term is often associated with dog training and obedience competitions.
