Teaching Your Dog to Heel

Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most basic and important dog training commands you can teach. With an active and younger dog or puppy, it can be especially difficult, but with patience and consistency, it doesn't really have to be that hard to train your dog to heel.

The best time to practice teaching your dog to heel is before you've begun going on walks. Your dog is easily distracted out on the street and you will need his attention to properly teach the heel command. Also, you want to be in a patient and pleasant mood. Do not begin this, or any other dog training session, if you are angry or in a testy mood. You should not train your dog in an unkind or rough manner. Furthermore, it is best to teach the heel command after your dog knows his name and the "Sit" command.

You will want to limit the heel training session, as with other dog training sessions, especially for young puppies to about 10 or 15 minutes and to 2 or 3 times in a day. Make sure they've gone to the bathroom and have eaten and had some water. You want their full attention for this.

For this training session, you might want to use a dog training collar, but it is not necessary. In the backyard or garden put a lead on the dog, and keep him on your left side. Hold the leash in both hands, your right hand through the loop and your left hand holding the leash with your elbow by your side and out straight.

You want to keep your dog's neck about even with your left leg, and as you begin to move that is the signal for the dog to begin walking. Your dog or puppy will initially not understand what to do and either try to run ahead or around. Simply make gentle corrections, say "Heel" and keep them on your left side. Try to keep the lead slack and if your dog begins to tug on it either stop or gently correct with the leash and stop moving. Do not pull your dog forward or yank the leash back violently. Continue moving only as your dog is on your left side. Try not to move if the leash becomes tight as this teaches them to tug and pull on it.

You will want to vary your direction and speed, turning in circles or doing figure eights. As your dog goes in the correct direction on your left side, remember to give lots of praise. You might use a dog training clicker or a treat, but try to keep your methods consistent with other dog training commands you use. Try to end the dog training session on a positive note with something the dog has done correctly, followed by lots of praise.

Dog Training HQ provides dog training articles and resources to help dog and puppy owners learn to train their pet effectively. Please visit http://www.dogtraininghq.com for more helpful dog training and puppy training advice.

---

Parvo in Dogs

What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More

How To Find Your Lost Dog

The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More

Attacking the Pit Bull Problem in Los Angeles-MuttShack Animal Rescue Launches Grassroots Campaign

Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles... Read More

Agility Training For Dogs

Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More

Animal Communicator

I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More

Three Important Safety Products for Your Dog this Summer

Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child... Read More

The Cure To Stop A Horse From Kicking

I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More

How to Paint Your Cat

Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More

Cute Cat Names ... And How To Find Them

Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More

Tips for Introducing Two Cats

Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More

Breeding Clownfish

Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More

Leash Training Your Dog-Take The Time To Get It Done and Do It Right

Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More

How to Choose a Pet

Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More

How I Get More Training Done On My Horses In 1/2 The Time

Here's a simple way... to help your horse learn twice... Read More

Dog Pile - Please Pick It Up

I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More

How Intelligent is Your Dog

It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More

Kids and Pets, Will it Work?

How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More

Pros and Cons of Buying Pet Medicine Online

Pets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More

Do You Have a Dog Day Care Business Plan?

If you are considering opening a dog day care, then... Read More

So You Want To Own A Ferret?

You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More

Flea Control for Pets

Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More

Are You Really Ready For a Boxer Dog?

The answer is "no" if you are the type who... Read More

Why Cats Flip For Catnip

If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More

Characteristics Of The Boxer

Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany ... Read More

Scottish Terrier Dogs - Important Facts

Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More

Herbs For Your Dog

Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More

Treat Fleas Naturally and Avoid Vaccinations, for a Truly Healthy Dog

An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More

The Power of Dogs

Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More

Dog Obediance Tips...

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More

The One Dog Trick That All Dogs Must Know - The Hand Shake Trick

The first dog trick that is generally taught a dog... Read More

6 Common Dog Emergencies

Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More

Your Dogs Health Is At Risk!

Dogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's... Read More

Life Long Nutrition A Comparison of Dog Foods

This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More