One of the dog training tips you will hear is to teach your dog to heel in 5 days or less. While it is true that heel striking is often caused by stress, most dogs show this reaction when they are improperly trained. The first thing you should do if you want to teach your dog to heel on command is to remove any collars or leads from its neck. This is because the collar can cause unnecessary stress on the dog’s neck muscles.
Next, you will need treats. Dogs love treats and will generally respond very well when treated with them. However, it is not necessary to use treats to teach your dog to heel on command. In fact, you may actually do better by using a combination of a few tips.
First, always make sure that your dog’s feet are well-lubricated. A dog that is properly hydrated will be able to heal without pain. It is also a good idea to keep some water near the dog’s crate so that he/she will have access to water when needed.
Second, start the dog training with only small treats. If you try to use large treats during this process, the dog may choke. Instead, start off with tiny ones until you can determine which treats are easier to give. Also, always remember to never let your dog run around when you are giving treats. This will help prevent the dog from choking on any of the excess food.
Third, always give praise immediately after the training. Your dog will only learn how to heal properly if you keep praising him when he does the trick correctly. Even more important than the praise is the reward. Always give your dog a reward when it does its tricks right after training. Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement.
Fourth, continue the training by applying pressure to the dog’s heels for as long as possible. Do not let the dog walk around without pressure applied to the heels. Continue applying pressure until the dog is comfortable walking without any pressure. If the dog stops pulling on its heels, then it has learned what the pressure is for.
Fifth, begin to gradually increase the pressure when you have succeeded. It may take several weeks to get up to a hundred percent pressure. It is very important not to make your dog upset or angry when you apply pressure to its heels. You must be patient and make sure the dog understands what you are trying to teach it. Once the dog understands what you want, then you can remove the pressure.
Hopefully, this article has given you helpful advice on how to train your dog to heel. Remember to enjoy the process, so do not get discouraged if it takes a few days. The goal of dog training is to make your dog’s life easier by allowing him to please you. After a few days, your dog should be walking with confidence just like the way you taught him to.
If you find that the dog’s heel problem persists after a few days, see your vet. He may be able to prescribe a stronger dosage of medication. This will only happen, however, if there is actual damage to the tendon or muscle at the base of the heel. If the issue is not serious, your vet may recommend an exercise program for your dog, which will strengthen the muscles and help your dog to heel more easily.
If you notice that your dog is no longer able to heal when pressure is applied, then it is time to try a different method. There are new shoes that are designed specifically for preventing and correcting flat feet. They contain air pockets that expand when pressure is applied, which prevents the heels from slipping even further into the floor. These shoes can be worn during any part of the day and may also provide some relief to the symptoms of flat feet. Although they are quite expensive, they are also a great option for those who cannot afford to spend money on shoes that will only last for a few months.
If these methods do not work, there are a few other things you can try. One way to treat flat feet is through foot massage. You can buy a device that you can insert into your dog’s bottom to feel for pressure points. This will help you identify which part of your dog is suffering from pain. Sometimes, treating the pain before it occurs is all that is needed.
Another treatment is by giving your dog an electric shock, which will interrupt the animals natural ability to apply pressure. You should only administer this treatment on occasion, as your dog might not be prepared to take the electric current in his life. However, if you do not want to give your dog any medicine, you can try using a heel stick. These devices are available at almost any pet store and are usually easy to use.
