How To Train Your Dog To Heel

Teaching your canine pal to heel is much different than asking him to walk beside you on a loose leash. When you train your dog to heel, you're creating a "doggie shadow" pinned to your left side. Many dog lovers are satisfied if their dog will walk along with them, somewhere in the area of the left side, without straining at the leash. That's okay, but it's not a true heel process. In this post, you'll learn how to create that intense bond that forms between you and your dog, when all his attention is focused on you and your next step.

You might want to try getting ready to train your dog to heel by sitting in a comfortable yoga meditation position and clear your mind. Seriously, this will be one of the most time consuming and repetitive things you've learned about dog training. Be ready for short, intense sessions with plenty of play time in between. It may take months to see good results. The process of teaching a dog to heel will try your patience, but it's worth it in the end.

First, try to find a large space that is free from any distractions. I like to let the dog sniff around, on a short leash for a few minutes and scope out the surroundings. That way, he's not wondering whether there is anything lurking in the corner and can focus on you. I use a four foot strap type leash, not the retractable one. Once you've made sure there are no gremlins or trolls hiding anywhere, you're ready to go to work training your dog to heel.

Okay, let's get started by positioning you and your dog facing in the same direction, side by side, with your dog on the left. You may have to gently tug his leash until you're both in position, and then put him on sit. Have a treat ready. I use a little drawstring nylon treat bag clipped to my waist, so I'm not digging in my pocket all the time. Hold the treat high and close to your left waist, clenched in your fist to protect it from a sudden grab.

Get your dogs attention by calling his name. The instant he looks up and makes eye contact with you, move forward two steps. If he moves with you, close by your side, and stops when you do, immediately give him the treat and reward him with some praise. The execution will be sloppy at first,so don't get upset if he gets in front of you instead of stopping. Try to time your treat with his two steps, before he gets excited and moves in front of you. After a few successful times, he may try to anticipate the treat and get ahead or play around with trying to get it out of your hand. That's when you ignore him for a few minutes and start over. Don't give him the treat or praise again, until he can take two steps, stop and wait for the treat. It's important to note that, in this phase of how to train your dog to heel, we are not introducing the "heel" command yet, just using his name to get eye contact.

When you've got the "two steps forward and stop" mastered, start to make it four steps, using the same method. Don't make these dog training sessions over about 3 minutes long. The idea, in teaching a dog to heel, is short sessions, several times a day.

Gradually increase your steps forward to six steps and then eight, always stopping and making sure he stops with you and waits for the treat. Do not allow your dog to lag behind or forge ahead. Stop the exercise with no treat or praise and work around to get back in position. Then get his attention by calling his name, making eye contact, and moving forward again. When you're up to about 10 steps, it's time to introduce the verbal cue of "heel". This may sound like it's kind of late in the process as you train your dog to heel. The reasoning here is that, in the first part of your session, you're just doing a fun new game where treats are involved. You're not commanding him to do anything, just having fun.

Now, the business part of the lesson begin. Start from your position and get his attention by calling his name and adding a sharp "heel". Go through that routine for several days, over and over. He's already decided he likes this stuff, because he gets a treat. What you're doing now is expanding his lesson by adding the heel "command". This is when it is important to make sure he does exactly what is expected, no flubs or inattention. If he doesn't heel perfectly every time, quit and start over later. He has to understand that there is no treat or praise unless he is glued to your side throughout the exercise.

Now, you can introduce turns to the left and right, speeding up and slowing down, always keeping his attention focused on you. I let him know we are turning, by speaking softly to him and saying the word "turn", just as you make a 90 degree turn. Hold a little tighter to the leash here, until he understands what you want and where you're going. This takes a lot of practice. However, if you're really in tune with one another, it becomes easier all the time.

Now that you're familiar with the basics, start introducing distractions. Have some friends approach. He'll want to run up and greet them. Sternly remind him to "heel". If he doesn't stay on heel and strains at the leash, have your friends turn their back and ignore him. Put him back on sit and start to heel again, walking the other way. He may not like this, but the treat always seems to win. Soon, he'll get the idea that he must stay on heel until you release him. I use "okay" to let him know he's off the hook and heeling is over. Do this every day for months. Gradually, you'll be able to reduce the treats to a lot of petting and praise. Remember, that when you train your dog to heel, make it a part of your routine for life. You'll be glad you took the time. It's all part of the mutual respect you and your dog develop.

My name is Steve Benedict and I love training dogs. If you enjoyed this article, there are plenty more dogrespect.com on my web site. It's evolving as great place to find answers to everything from dog food recalls, to stores for hard to find dog products, to behavioral challenges. If you're "Just Curious or Really Serious", visit dogrespect.com dogrespect.com. I think you'll enjoy it!