Course Details
3 WEEK CLASS - Backing up is one of those skills that looks simple…until you try to train it cleanly. If your dog backs up crooked, swings out, or struggles to stay in heel position, this class is for you. We’ll take the guesswork out of teaching a confident, straight, and precise backup — both from in front and in heel position.
In this 3-week class, you’ll learn how to teach straight, confident backing to a rear foot target from in front, then build that skill into heel position. We’ll use pivots and sidesteps to develop rear-end awareness and teach your dog to stay aligned with your body while backing up with accuracy, confidence, and precision.
This class is for:
- Rally and obedience teams who want cleaner, straighter heelwork and sharper position skills
- Dogs who already “kind of” back up, but drift sideways, go wide, or generally don’t stay in heel position
- Handlers who feel stuck because their dog only backs up when lured or next to a prop, like a wall or gate
- Sport foundations teams who want to build powerful rear-end awareness skills that carry into many other behaviors
By the end of class, you’ll have:
- A reliable backup from in front to a rear foot target
- A dog who understands how to control their rear end to maintain position and alignment
- A structured plan for backing in heel position (without widening, forging, or confusion)
- Solutions for common backing challenges like crookedness, slow responses, and loss of position
If you’ve been frustrated with backing up (or avoiding it altogether), you’re exactly who I made this class for. Come join me, and leave with a clear plan and a dog who backs up with confidence.
Teaching Approach:
Instructor: Nicole Wiebusch Nicole Wiebusch CPDT-KA (she/her) has been active in dog sports for over 25 years. What began with 4-H quickly grew into a lifelong passion for dog sports. (Click here for full bio and to view Nicole's upcoming courses)
