How to teach your dog to heel

Every pet owner knows that being dragged around by your dog is not fun, it can be dangerous and embarrassing. If you have not yet had the opportunity to heel an untrained dog take a moment to consider all the problems this could present. Your dog could cause you to fall and hurt yourself, cause your hand to be sore and cut from their leash, even manage to pull from your grasp which could result in injury or even death.

There is no doubt that training your dog to heel has many benefits not only to you the owner but also to your loyal companion. Studies have shown that a dog who has been trained with obedience commands are less likely to show signs of aggression. When you train your dog you are teaching them to respect you, listen to you and watch you.

Dogs are big people pleaser's! They like to “work” for their people, training your dog gives them the impression they are working for you. It allows you to keep their minds active and their body healthy. One of the greatest bonding opportunities an owner will experience will be training with their dog. It is important to realize that most people who have trouble training their dogs are simply not training them properly and it is not your dog at all. This is good news it means with some work you can still have a well trained companion.

To start you should have a pinch collar (also known as a prong collar) and a six foot leather leash. Before you shudder at the thought of the pinch collar there are some things you should know and understand.. The pinch collar is not as scary as it looks in fact the dog is already familiar with what it does before you introduce it to them. This is because the pinch collar works when the owner gives a downwards jerk on the leash attached to in, this then pinches the skin around your dogs neck. Your dog remembers this feeling and knows that he/she has done something wrong. This is because from the time your dog was a young puppy it's mother would nip the skin around his/her neck to discipline her puppies. The pinch collar is simply continuing on the training methods of the mother.

A six foot leather lead is ideal for training because you have enough leash to hold it with lots of slack, this way you are not accidentally pinching your dog by tugging on his leash. There are ways to prevent this accidental discipline and confusion to your dog. Always remember to stand with your dog on your left side this is important because then you and your dog will be used to watching on that side of each other. Training is all about your consistency by keeping your dog on the same side all the time he will learn to watch that side of you for your movements; your movements determine his/her movements so remember this rule. If you forget you will end up with a lot of frustration and a very confused dog!

To start the heel command place your sit in a sit position. Hold your leash in your right hand, this allows you to be able to give your dog a correction using your left hand to jerk the leash. Now give your dog a heel command this should consist of a word and action. The action serves the purpose of getting your dog to focus not only on your voice but your movements. This is very essential because if your dog is watching you he/she is not going to see that cat they want to chase! I use the word “heel” followed by starting to walk with my “right” foot. My right foot moving forward to walk is my dogs visual command to heel.

When a dog is heeling properly they will have their shoulders aligned with your leg. As soon as your dog starts walking faster and is no longer aligned give them a correction like explained using the pinch collar and leash. Then place them on a sit command and start over, by giving them a heel command and walking. At first walk your dog for short distances once they stay aligned with your body PRAISE them. I do not believe in using food for reward as this can cause aggression. Praising your dog is a much better reward for both of you. For you it means no pockets full of treats or disobedient dog when you run out of them. Also you will be helping your dog stay healthy by not always giving them that junk food. For your dog the praise means, your happy with them, they have done a good job and that's more reward then any treat!

Once your dog can heel on their leash and they are watching you (so you know you have their attention), you may want to begin trying the heel command off leash. This should be done in a safe place where your dog cannot get access to a road. You will use the same process as above, but keep in mind that you will not be able to easily discipline your dog so this should be done when you feel your dog is truly ready. If you try with no success continue practicing with the leash on to allow for disciplining, and then re-try off leash again. Your dog will be able to heel on and off leash with ease if you follow these steps.

If you are consistent with these steps you will be successful and will have a dog who will heel beautifully at your side. If you find your dog is not getting it then it is time to evaluate yourself. Simple things that we forget could confuse our dogs and make training harder. If this is happening maybe have a friend or family member watch you to see if you are doing something wrong without even noticing it.

Training your dog is so important not only for safety but because it creates a very special bond between dog and owner. When you train a dog they feel as if they are working as part of a team. They are happier and more well adjusted. Just like children dogs need discipline and rules, and just like our children by giving them these things we will create a bond that will last a life time.