How to Teach Your Dog To "Heel"

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By ashcraft
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Starting off

Teaching your dog the heel command.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Training Collar
6' Leash

Step 1

Teaching the dog to heel is relatively easy after you have taught him to walk on a leash on your left side. If you have not gone through this step, please stop now and read the article titled "How To Leash Train Your Puppy" before proceeding with this article.
Step 2

Correct collar position

With the training collar on your dog correctly, the pull coming from over the top of your dogs neck as he is seated on your left side (from here on called the heel position) and your leash in your right hand, start to walk, at the same time give the command "Sam, heal" and a slight jerk and release on the leash remembering to keep a loose leash.
Step 3

Slowing down

Walk for a short distance, and when you are ready to halt, take a couple of steps, slowing down, to warn your dog you are going to stop. Al the same time, shorten you leash so when you stop you can stop your dog beside you. Pull up on the leash with your right hand and with your left hand push downward on his hindquarters saying "sit." Use this method every time you stop, even if you want your dog to sit automatically. If you stand there and say "sit" "sit" "sit" he will never sit automatically. Say your commands once and then enforce them. When he sits before you can get your hand to his hindquarters, you have succeeded! You may also vary you walking and stopping with turns and directions to teach your dog that he needs to watch you at all times. When you do an about turn, always turn away from you dog.
Step 4

Remember with your training, go to the same spot every day where there are no distractions. You want your dog's undivided attention! Also, give lots of praise and encouragement when he is doing what you ask of him. You want this to be a good experience for both of you.

Comments

cb4me said

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on 11/15/2009 Cute dog and great tips!

lildutchgirl56 said

on 11/12/2009 I remember training this command to my dog and she wouldn't sit because the floor was cement. I guess it was too cold because she did just fine on carpet. Great article!