The "Turn" Command

            Dining out with your puppy generally brings up a few challenges.  Our goal for a working guide dog is that they are able to make themselves as unobtrusive as possible, either under the table or right next to it.  Before the implementation of the new "turn" command, we sent the dog under the table and then had them lay down (hence the command, “Under/Down”).  This had the potential to create a few problems.  For one, the area underneath the table is where the puppy is most likely to discover discarded food or chewing gum.  This often resulted in dogs who would gleefully dive under the table and scarf down every crumb in sight.  Another problem was that the dog’s head was often positioned some distance from the handler, making it more difficult to correct any scavenging or soliciting behaviors.  And finally, the dog’s rear facing out potentially exposed the dog to being stepped on by oblivious waitstaff (“I didn’t even know there was a dog under there!” … sound familiar?).

            So we have decided to implement the “turn” command as a more useful way to orient the puppy properly in dining situations.  It is also useful for vet examinations, grooming, or backing the dog into a tight space (such as the crates in our training vans when the dog comes IFT!).

            Think of the “turn” as a reversed “heel”.  Instead of the dog at your side facing forward, the dog will be at your side facing behind you.  They do not have to be in a “sit” position; in fact, if you choose to back your dog into a space, having them in a “stand” position is more useful.

            To accomplish the “turn”, start with the dog at heel.  In order to encourage them to start moving, you may have to take a step or two forward (much like with the “heel” command, when you take a step back).  Tell the dog to “turn” and begin to back up, using your hand or light pressure on the leash to help the dog reverse their direction.  This may not look pretty at first, especially for a dog who is heavily conditioned to face forward!  But when they are reversed at your side, praise them heavily, even if they are not perfectly straight.  Try not to drag the dog by the lead into position.  Keep your flat palm on their hip or side to prevent them from spinning back into heel. 



Goldie demonstrates the finished "turn" position



            When having the puppy sit or down in the turn position, you may initially have to mold the puppy.  They have been conditioned to sit and down in a front-facing position, so they will need extra guidance to keep them from spinning back around.  If you just give the verbal command, they will be confused at first.  Help them out by gently molding them into position as you say the command.  If they get confused or end up facing front again, start over with the “turn”.  It may take time for them to get comfortable with this.



After Cindi completes the "turn", her handler molds her into a "sit"



            When dining out with your dog, approach your seat and have the dog turn beside you.  You may want to scoot them backwards under the table a bit while they are standing up.  When they have completed the turn, have them “down”.  This should result in their head being right beside you so you can easily reach down and correct if they are scavenging or “army crawling” away from you.  When you give a correction, have your hand low on the leash, close to the collar.  This will allow you to give a smaller, more effective correction that will likely not encourage them to stand up.  When they have settled, you can loop the leash under your leg in order to free your hands.  If the puppy begins to misbehave, you can easily reach down and correct. 



Cindi is comfortably "turned" under the table



            Remember that you are trying to teach the puppy to behave appropriately in restaurants.  You may have to “pick your battles”.  If you are struggling with the puppy’s scavenging behavior, don’t stress too much about a perfect “turn”.  Address the scavenging issue first, then as they improve, begin to up your criteria for the positioning of the “turn”. 

            There may be times when it is difficult to position your puppy under a table. Certain booths or tables may have a pedestal that leaves no room for your puppy, or if you’re dining out with other raisers, it may be too crowded.  In that case, just position the puppy as close to you as possible, focusing on having them under your control and out of the main walkway as much you can.  Eventually, your puppy will be conditioned to rest quietly when dining out, and will quickly “turn” at your side when asked.  Learning to ignore dropped food may be a work-in-progress for quite some time though!