How to teach your dog the "heel" command.
Introduction
The "Heel" command is one of the most important commands that you can teach your dog. It is used to teach dogs leash manners and is the foundation for good behavior. When your dog is heeling, they should be walking at your side, with their head and shoulders even with your left leg. They should be focused on you and not pulling on the leash.
Common Misconceptions
- You should never use the "Heel" command as a punishment. This can make your dog associate the command with negative experiences and make them less likely to obey it.
- You should never use the leash to pull your dog into position. This can make your dog feel tense and uncomfortable, and it can also damage their neck and spine.
"Heel" Command - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase:
- Start by teaching your dog the "Sit" and "Stay" commands. These commands will help your dog to learn to focus on you and to stay in one place.
- Start by practicing the "Heel" command in a quiet area with few distractions. Have your dog sit next to you and then use a treat or toy to lure them to your left side. Once your dog is walking alongside you, mark and reward them with the treat or toy.
- Repeat steps 1-2 several times. Gradually increase the distance that you walk with your dog in heel position before you give them the treat or toy.
Reinforcing Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably walking alongside you in heel position for short distances, you can start to introduce distractions. For example, you can try walking by other people or dogs. If your dog stays in heel position, mark and reward them with the treat or toy.
- Gradually increase the level of distraction.
Proofing Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably walking in heel position with distractions, you can start to practice in different environments. For example, you can try practicing in your backyard, at the park, or in a store.
- Gradually increase the level of distraction in the environment.
Maintenance Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably walking in heel position in different environments with distractions, you can start to move into the maintenance phase. This means that you will need to continue practicing the "Heel" command regularly to keep it fresh in your dog's mind.
- You can also try practicing the command in new and challenging situations, such as when you are going to be in a crowded area or when there are other dogs around.
- It is important to make sure that the "Heel" command is always a positive experience for your dog. If your dog starts to show signs of anxiety or distress, you may need to take a step back and revisit the earlier phases of training.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1:
A client came to Partners Dog School with a 1-year-old Golden Retriever named Buddy who was pulling on the leash whenever they went for walks. The client was worried that Buddy would hurt himself or someone else if he kept pulling. We started by teaching Buddy the "Heel" command. We used a combination of positive reinforcement and proofing to help Buddy learn the command. After a few weeks of training, Buddy was reliably walking on a loose leash and he was no longer pulling.
- Case Study 2:
Another client came to Partners Dog School with a 3-year-old Border Collie named Bailey who was very distracted on walks. Bailey would often see other dogs or people and would start to pull towards them. We started by teaching Bailey the "Heel" command. We also taught Bailey some focus exercises to help him stay focused on us during walks. After a few weeks of training, Bailey was reliably walking on a loose leash and he was no longer as distracted by other dogs or people.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be patient and consistent with your training. It takes time and patience to teach a dog a new command.
- Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog!
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in a distracting environment, it may be helpful to shorten the length of the leash or to use a head halter.
- Don't give up! With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to heel reliably.
Conclusion
The "Heel" command is an important command for any dog to know. By following the tips in this article, you can teach your dog to heel reliably and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if my dog is still pulling on the leash?
A: If your dog is still pulling on the leash, you can try using a head halter or a no-pull harness. These devices can help to redirect your dog's pulling and make it easier to control them. - Q: What if my dog is distracted by other dogs or people?
A: If your dog is distracted by other dogs or people, you can try practicing the "Heel" command in a quiet area with few distractions. Once your dog is reliable in this environment, you can start to practice in more distracting environments. - Q: What if my dog is not responding to the "Heel" command?
A: If your dog is not responding to the "Heel" command, you can try using a firm voice and a short tug on the leash. You can also try taking a break from training and coming back to it later.