Walking on left

[sassy-susie]

I've just been reading some training books, I was just wondering if anyone knew why you train your dog to walk on your left side??? There is no reason to this question, I'm just totaly curious.

I know the reason you mount a horse from the left is because when knights used to use horses, their swords stuck out to the left side, so mounting the horse from the left side ensured the horse wasnt stabbed..... so i wondered if they were at all linked??? or there was just another reason 

[Jeanette]

Is it because they won't be near the road      I have no idea really 

[bibathediva]

Dont know but it dont work with 2 dogs anyway    they each pick a side and stick to it 

[supergirl]

Dont know but it dont work with 2 dogs anyway    they each pick a side and stick to it 

Thats so true, Roly will only walk on the right, because Misha takes the left.  However, if you're doing agility you're encouraged to walk your dogs on both sides, as you need to change sides depending on the agility course.

[Helen]

I always assumed gundogs were walked on the left as you would (normally) shoot from the right shoulder  (or in the case of beaters use/carry their stick) so it keeps the dog in eyesight and in control...  

I think it's just a majority  'right handed'  thing - stronger and more utilised arm is left free

[bajoleth]

Belle always walks on my right she will always make her way over there so I really don't see any problem with it, its just ettiquette right???

[Max X 2]

I was told it was so the dog isn't near the road, but that depends which side of the road we're walking 
More often than not Max is on my left, but if he's on my right (off sniffing in the grass) when we get to the kerb he'll always sit on my left    The present & finish we do, I always send him round so he finishes on my left too, so I think in obedience work it's the thing to do too 
It's never made any difference to us where agility is concerned, he just goes over what's infront of him anyway 

[fifer]

One reason is the triangle during ringcraft/dog showing so you are not between your dog and the judge.

[SandraD]

I always assumed gundogs were walked on the left as you would (normally) shoot from the right shoulder  (or in the case of beaters use/carry their stick) so it keeps the dog in eyesight and in control...  

This is what our puppy trainer told us too - mind you, she has gundogs.

[Nicola]

I always assumed gundogs were walked on the left as you would (normally) shoot from the right shoulder  (or in the case of beaters use/carry their stick) so it keeps the dog in eyesight and in control...  

I think it's just a majority  'right handed'  thing - stronger and more utilised arm is left free

It's for safety as most people are right handed and carry thier guns over their right shoulder when walking. Obviously if you're left handed and your gun is on your left shoulder then the dog should be on your right. With more than 2 dogs though I usually walk 2 on the left and 1 on the right.

[sassy-susie]

ahhh that makes sence nicola, thanks 

[LurcherGirl]

Heelwork as such started in army/police dogs where the handler had the gun on the right and the dog on the left. It's just tradition really and no real reason for it anymore, at least not for the average pet handler as not too many of us walk around with guns!  In my classes, people can have their dogs wherever they like as long as they walk nicely to heel, left or right. Of course, if you want to compete in obedience or other sports, then left is a must as that is the rules.

Vera

[Jessie_Pup]

I thought it was about the handler carrying his gun.   Though in our training classes we are encouraged to work our dogs on the left and the right,heel work, sits downs and stays etc., so that they don't get used to working on the same side.  I do heelwork to music with Dylan so he is working all around me in front and behind.  I think it is good, then the dog doesn't get used to working on the same side all the time.

[Michele]

One reason is the triangle during ringcraft/dog showing so you are not between your dog and the judge.

But in handling classes you may get asked to do a reverse triangle in which case you would handle the dog to your right.
Also sometimes when a judge asks for a 'straight up and down' the may move to the side for the return in which case you should swap the lead to your right hand so again you do not come between the dog and the judge. 

[mcphee]

At foundation classes it was lead in right hand dog on left. Next class said that was b******s and it was handler's preference and  best control, and next class made us practice both. My groomer walked Sir home yesterday and said, you know he is odd, on the left he walks to heel perfectly with a loose lead, and on the right he pulls like a steam train. I agreed that he is odd, and said I suspect its about where the most interesting sniffs are. I try to practice heel on both, but believe me, we are a million miles away from whatever is required by competitive obedience! We always get the correct side in agility though!