How to Teach Your Dog to Heel With Stay and Recall

Teaching your dog to respond obediently to verbal commands is one of the most important things to master as a dog owner. A dog that responds quickly to orders will enjoy a greater deal of freedom while maintaining a safe environment in public areas. Read on to learn how to teach your dog to heel with stay and recall.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Reward your dog with successful behavior by giving them treats and verbal praise. Positive reinforcement has a powerful effect on animal psychology, just as much or more so than it does with humans.

2. Step in front of the dog if it tends to want to take the lead. This establishes you as the dominant agent in the relationship, a fundamental that needs to be observed consistently when training your dog.

3. Snap the leash sharply to get the dog's attention if they ignore your command to heel. This shouldn't be done to the degree that it physically punishes, only to grab the animal's attention.

4. Speak sharply in reprimand so that the dog understands that there has been a failure in obedience. The control of your voice is a powerful tool in the training of your dog.

5. Practice heel and stay commands in the privacy of your home or back yard. This provides you with a controlled environment where you will be able to test the animal's understanding without serious hazards, such as passing automobile traffic.

6. Remain patient. Training a dog for consistent obedience takes some time and energy, but in the end you'll be glad you made the effort.