Cooperation in a Dog Fails at the Handler Level

The young wirehaired dog lets out a happy yip as it wraps the jager lead around the handler’s legs who spins to unwind himself, tugs on the lead, and again commands “heel” exactly as the group leader demonstrated moments ago. Or so he thought. The dog, now seemingly irritated, dashes off and the handler nearly falls over as the dog reaches the end of the lead and flips to his back with a thud. A calm voice from behind asks: “May I handle your dog?” It's the group leader. “Sure,” the handler sheepishly responds, handing off the jager, the leather still wiry with newness. The group leader walks away silently holding the lead as the young dog begins to yield and is at a heel by the 10th step.  The handler is left in awe. “How did they do that?” he wonders with a murmur.