Obedience Basic Information

Heal position is when your dog is sitting on your left side with his/her right shoulder is directly next to your left leg. Dog should be sitting squarely next to the handler.

When doing the "Heal" exercises and the judges says forward, ALWAYS step off with your left foot. This gives your dog an extra "silent" command, they see you starting to move your leg and they know that they are about to move forward. Remember, prior to physically moving forward; say your dogs name followed by the word "heal."

When doing the stationary exercises (stand, long sit & long down) ALWAYS step off with your right foot.

During all of the obedience exercises the handler should have a LOOSE leash. A taunt leash will be deducted points. The handler should only give the dog one command, to be given at the beginning of the exercise. Multiple commands (talking to your dog, patting your leg, etc) during an exercise will result in deducted points.

During the long sit and long down do not force your dog into position. Remember to have a loose leash when standing in front of your dog and when returning to your dog. If your dog breaks, (gets up, goes to sniff the neighboring dog, etc...) gently pull your dog in front of you and place then in the sitting or down position (depending on the exercise).

Links to "How to" videos on 4-H obedience from Oregon State 4-H

2a. Introduction to Oregon 4-H Dog Obedience Project
3f. Heeling: Oregon 4-H Dog Showmanship Project
2b. Recall: Oregon 4-H Dog Obedience Project
2j. Figure 8: Oregon 4-H Dog Obedience Project
2e. Long Sit: Oregon 4-H Dog Obedience Project
2f. Long Down: Oregon 4-H Dog Obedience Project
More videos from Oregon 4-H Dog Obedience Project