Teaching your dog how to heel properly is one of those dog training tricks that can’t fail to amaze your dog and make him perform a variety of tricks you admire. How to train your dog to heel properly is the equivalent of learning how to train your dog to shake hands. Even puppies can learn how to heal correctly with some consistency. Here’s how. It really is not very hard and won’t take long to get your dog training done.
To begin, start out by walking your dog in a nice relaxed manner. You may even want to use a small dog harness for this exercise so your dog can learn to stay close to you. When heeling on-leash, hold the leash by the handle with both hands, it should be loose enough that your left foot slides under the belt at the front but tight enough that your dog can feel snug when heeling on-leash. As you walk, think of your free hand which you’ll be holding the leash tighter in while your other hand holds the leash at the back.
As your dog starts to heel, pull forward slightly on the leash and continue to do so until he stops heeling. When your dog has stopped heeling, release the tension in the leash but don’t tighten it yet. The next step is to put both hands on the dog while he heels, allowing him to feel secure. You want to be able to see the dog’s back so when he gets comfortable with your direction, you can begin teaching him how to heel while keeping your foot on the dog. When the dog finishes heeling, release the tension in the leash and allow the dog to see you with eyes that follow your lead. Be sure not to get pulled ahead when this happens.
The second step in this article covers the next part of how to train your dog to heel while being off-leash. The next step is to hold a treat above his head and say “heel” in a stern, voice. Repeat the process until he stops heeling. It is important to stick to the command – “heel” – throughout the training session. You want to reinforce the word and actions to your dog’s brain.
When he heels and releases his weight on the leash, immediately step forward and place your dog’s weight on your thigh with his front paws on the top of your leg. This will require that you walk with your dog on leash for several strides and then walk them off leash. As your dog performs the heel and release, praise him. Continue practicing on leash heeling until he can heal on a dime, without pulling on the leash.
In order to speed up the on leash heeling process, you can begin to combine heel and release commands. If heeling is not working within a one or two day trial period, switch to a different command or start another lesson. If you teach your dog on leash heeling and release correctly, he will be able to heal and release with just one word, eliminating the heeling and releasing process. Your dog must learn that he must walk in a straight line before putting weight on the leash. You do not want your dog jumping or straining, because this is the opposite of what we want our dog to do.
Another tip you can use when learning how to train your dog to heel while being on a leash is to consider using an electronic collar, or prong collar. These collars give your dog a shock whenever he steps out in front of you, as well as each time he pulls on the leash. The shock can be unpleasant, but it does teach your dog that he must walk with you in front and also remain very close to you, for safety. There are some downsides to these types of collars, especially if your dog is aggressive or you do not want to deal with potential dog bites. Most of these collars have to be used for more intensive training, as the static shocks are only effective if you are using them to reinforce aggressive behavior.
The key to training your dog on how to heel while being on leash is consistency and repetition. Be sure that each time your dog learns how to heal properly, be sure to reward him with praise. Never pull back on your dog’s leash while he is learning how to heel. If you do, it could scare him and he could learn not to heel.
