Teaching a dog how to heel can help you accomplish several dog training goals. Teaching him to heal not only teaches him not to run away, but also to stay put when following you around. Heel training teaches your dog not to run away from you while following you but to stay put when you are near. It is also useful for teaching him how to heal properly so he can walk on his own without your assistance.
The following are dog training exercises that can be used with the dog sitting next to you. Heel sitting is very important for several reasons. First, teaching him how to heal properly teaches him not to run away from you or jump on you when you are walking. Second, heel sitting teaches him how to stay put and follow your direction while you are walking. Third, heel sitting helps you train him not to jump up on people or objects that may be in front of you. These dog training exercises are very helpful for all breeds, but especially for those breeds that tend to jump up.
The first exercise in dog training using a heel command is to show him how to heal whenever you lead him into an area that is off limits to him. To begin this exercise, take a heel command for sitting and make sure your dog has already become familiar with it. Lead him into the area and then wait for him to look at you or to sniff. When he looks at you, salivate and give him positive reinforcement. Praise him verbally and then reward him with his favorite treat.
Once you know how to teach a dog to heel properly, you need to understand the importance of your actions. If a dog has already learned to heel properly, using a leash and treats will not prevent him from jumping on visitors, children or other animals. If he is still heel-tight, try a few heel salivation drops followed by treats and praise. Heel your dog until he no longer seems bothered by being heel-tight.
A more complicated exercise to teach your dog involves turning his body from side to side as if you were trying to catch a fly with your hand. This will have him turn his head around to the side you want him to go. You should do this several times but hold the turn just in case he pulls away and starts to run away. Have someone to guide him as you do this and use treats and praise.
Another easy way to teach your dog how to walk properly is by teaching him the “come” command. Stand in front of him and give him a treat and then say “come” with your voice while extending your arm in front of him. If your dog quickly follows your command, practice “come” while holding your arm in front of his face and saying “come”.
You can also teach him the stay command by using the same exercise described above but this time use your verbal cue as opposed to a treat. Stand in front of your dog, turn your back to him with your feet facing inwards and your hands in front of your chest. Approach him with your verbal cue to stay and when his nose comes towards your leg, point your toe in the direction of his nose. If he stops pulling, reward him with a treat and praise. Do not forget to repeat this exercise until he gets the message that his nose is for staying and his toe for going.
Keep in mind that you are trying to train your dog how to stay by reinforcing his good behavior. Anytime he pulls, correct him immediately so that he knows that this behavior is not acceptable. Also, keep in mind that if your dog pulls, other dogs will also be pulling. Therefore, your job is not only to train him with the leash, but you must teach him that all dogs must pull.
