One of the best ways to have an obedient dog is to train your dog to heel. It’s no secret that most dogs love to run around and explore. But when it comes time to walk your dog, you may find that they pull on the leash and take off in the opposite direction. This can be frustrating for both you and your pet.
Luckily, there are ways to train your dog to heel so that walking becomes a more pleasant experience for everyone involved. In this article, we will discuss some of the best methods for training your dog to heel.
When it comes to training your dog to heel, there are a few key things to remember.
Consistency
First and foremost, you need to be consistent with your commands and rewards. If you allow your dog to pull on the leash one day, but then punish them for it the next, they will only become more confused.
Train Early
Secondly, it’s important to start training your dog early. Puppies are typically easier to train than older dogs, so it’s best to get started as soon as possible.
Patience is Key
Finally, It may take a while for your dog to fully master the heel command, but with time and effort, you can get there.
So how do you go about training your dog to heel? Here are a few tips:
1. Begin by teaching your dog the “sit” command. Once they have mastered this, put a leash on them and have them sit next to you. When they are sitting calmly by your side, give them a treat and praise them.
2. Once they are comfortable with sitting by your side, start walking forward while commanding them to “heel.” If they begin to pull on the leash, stop walking and have them sit again until they are calm. Then continue forward slowly until they get the hang of it.
3. As your dog becomes more comfortable with the heel command, gradually increase the distance and speed at which you are walking. Remember to always praise and reward them when they behave properly.
If you follow these tips and are patient with your dog, they will eventually learn how to heel like a pro.
If you have an aggressive dog that just won’t listen to any of your commands, give us a call at Dominant Dogs to see what dog training program would be best for you and your dog. 310.383.1412.