How to Practice Hunting Dog Obedience Training at Home

Before you take your hunting dog into the field, you must master some basic obedience training at home. Mastering the "heel" command makes the dog feel secure, because it knows what the owner expects of it. Along with learning how to stay and come on command, heeling is one of three tasks that allow the owner to control the dog.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Choke collar
• Lead
• Pinch collar

1. Choose a collar that helps you gain control over the dog. You can use a choke collar or an all-in-one lead that you thread through the handle to create a choking collar.

2. Keep the dog on a short lead. A long lead is distracting because it gives the dog too much room to explore. You want the dog's focus to remain on the trainer.

3. Step off with the foot closest to the dog when you teach it to heel. The standard training method for heeling places the dog on the left side of the trainer.

4. Make the dog stop beside you when you stop walking. That is an important part of the "heel" command. Pull up on the lead slightly and command the dog to sit each time you stop.

5. Use the long end of the lead to discipline the dog if it doesn't obey the heel command. You can pop the dog lightly on the rear with the end of the lead. This doesn't harm the dog, but it does get the dog's attention.

6. Repeat your training steps several times during each training session. Multiple short training sessions are more effective than one long training session.

7. Purchase a spiked pinch collar if your dog pulls excessively. The spikes on the collar place an uncomfortable, yet harmless pressure on the dog's neck that discourages it from trying to pull you down the street.