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.

---

How to Teach YOUR Cat to Use a Litter Box - Secrets to Litter Tray Success

Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More

The Importance of a Plan When Building a Reptile Cage

Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More

Cute Cat Names ... And How To Find Them

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

How Are You Treating Your Pet?

Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More

Does The World Need More Cats?

Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More

Pet Services Are A Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry

There are many of us who consider our pets as... Read More

Declawing Your Cat

This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More

Cat Scratching Solutions

For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More

Got Fleas? How to Spot and Care For Fleas on Your Dog

Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More

Three Important Safety Products for Your Dog this Summer

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

4 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know

You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More

Too Many Cats?

Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More

Universal Principles For Successful Dog Training

Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More

Tips on Sexing Discus Fish

Do you have some adult discus fish and want to... Read More

Training Your Dog

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

You Should Teach Your Puppy Proper Chewing Behavior

As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More

Introduction To House Training

The information in this article is based on the successful... Read More

Dog doors ? dog and owner reprieve

Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More

Toys are GOOD for your dog

Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More

Down On The Farm

As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More

Do You Know About Boxer Dogs?

Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More

Westies Puppies - How to Prepare for Your Westie Puppy

Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More

Teach a Dog To Swim

You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More

What Type of Cat Food is Really Best For Your Cat?

Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More

Scottie & Westie - This Mistake is Perfectly Understandable

Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie,... Read More

Top 20 Dog Quotations

Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful... Read More

Five Cat Food Factors That Discourage Feline UTD

One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More

Boxers Make Great Family Dogs

A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More

Things To Think About Before You Buy A Pet Bird

While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More

Is YOUR Child Ready for a Dog?

Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More

Westies Dogs ? Please Consider Adopting an Older Westie Dog

Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More

Westies Dogs and Your Children

Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier,... Read More