Often when asked to walk, it is the pet dog who guides in front and not the owner. A dog that grabs its owner or is left behind on a walk means it has not been trained to heel with its owner properly. Heels are a fun way to walk with your beloved dog and well worth a try. Anyone can teach it as long as it is done regularly and with patience and a few simple techniques.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Learn How to Train Your Dog
Step 1. Find a quiet place to train your dog
In order for your dog to concentrate properly, find a place where there are no distractions. The backyard is a great place to train your dog. Otherwise, look for a corner of the garden that has no or few people. If outdoor exercise is too much of a distraction, do it indoors. Over time, the distractions given during training will be gradually added, and training will be carried out in various places so that the dog understands that the heel command must be performed anywhere.
Step 2. Teach the dog to look at you
This can be done by associating signs such as “Look at me” with a snack. Your dog will quickly learn to see you when a command is spoken, as he will expect a treat. Once this process is complete, there is no need for a snack to be given every time the command is spoken. However, don't stop completely.
Do not rely on the leash to move the dog. This rope is a safety device, not a means of communication. Ideally exercise without a harness is done in a safe location
Step 3. Choose a release sign such as “okay”, “free” or “release” to indicate that the dog can stop heeling or stand up from sitting
Part 2 of 3: Teaching Dogs to Heel with Positive Support
Step 1. Teach the dog the correct position
The correct walking position is for the dog to be on the left. However, this is only required for formal obedience and other sports. For pet dogs, please choose the side you like but you have to be consistent on the side you choose
- When walking the dog's head or shoulders should be at your hip level.
- The harness is not held tightly. The leash should be loose between you and the dog without any contact.
Step 2. Teach the dog to position himself correctly
“Here” is a useful command for teaching a dog to stand up. If your dog isn't close enough or isn't sure which side to sit on, slap your hips and say "here." Lure the dog with treats if needed. Over time, slowly remove the bait and mark only with your hands, then mark more generally. The inducement can be in the form of a hand signal (moving the hand to the pelvis).
Step 3. Get your dog's attention
The key to the heel is getting your dog's attention. Start by standing and the dog sitting next to you in the correct position. Get your dog's attention by calling his name, patting his head, making noises or using the previously taught "Look at me" sign.
- When the dog looks up, slap your hips and say "here". This sign is an order. Dogs can learn to see where they're going, and in this way you provide a reference point in which direction the heel will go.
- Prepare the dog for success. Avoid asking for more than your dog can handle.
- Remember, the key is getting your dog's attention. This is the hardest part. However, while it may take a lot of work, while grabbing your dog's attention, you can train him to look at you when the "Look at me" sign is spoken. Don't forget to give treats in return when your dog responds properly.
Step 4. With the dog in the correct position, take one step
Give a snack in return. Increase the steps to two, then three, and so on.
Step 5. When the heel can be done smoothly, start teaching speed changes and turns
Think of every walk with your dog as a training session
Step 6. Support your dog's good behavior with the rewards he likes best
Snacks are usually the most preferred and easiest option. You should positively support the dog when your commands are followed properly. It is recommended not to use punishment.
Part 3 of 3: Using Corrective Methods
Step 1. Use corrections with care
Many people train their dogs in a positive, reward-based method that requires a lot of patience and consistency. Sometimes, corrections provide quicker results, but the effects can be reversed and damage your relationship with your dog, creating discomfort and confusion in the dog, and leading to an increase in unwanted behavior.
Step 2. Think of the harness as an extension of your arm
With this mindset, don't correct your dog unless necessary. Giving your dog mixed signals will only complicate and hinder successful training.
If the leash is kept loose (correction is not made constantly) it means that when the leash is actually pulled, the dog will tend to be more compliant
Step 3. When praising your dog, don't let him ignore your commands until he's released
For example, if the dog is told to sit down, and he complies, you praise him, and then the dog stands up, stop the praise immediately. If your dog doesn't sit up on his own after a few seconds, return him to his position firmly and then praise again.
You don't have to repeat the command. Forcing commands is much more effective. You may need to give him a second chance to obey orders properly
Step 4. Force that the dog cannot overtake you
Most dogs force to come forward. To justify this, put a leash tight enough on your dog so that you can step forward facing him. If your dog tries to come forward, make a sharp turn and step in your dog's path. turn 90 degrees and walk in a new direction. Again, make sharp turns as if walking on a square.
Dogs who are used to guiding you may be surprised or confused. Walk in a straight line again, until the dog tries to overtake you. do the same trick. This method is enough to do 5-15 minutes per day. Some dogs will learn after the first session, but a dog that is used to guiding you over the years will take longer
Step 5. Train the dog not to be left behind
Most dogs continue to be left behind if they feel scared, abandoned, neglected, or bullied but many dogs are left behind because they are distracted by a smell or activity. The way to stop falling behind is the same as stopping the dog that went before you. Just let the leash touch your foot with each step while walking.
- The leash should be in your right hand, and the dog left behind you on the leash across the left leg. This way the harness will snap when you step with your left foot, and if this isn't enough, slowly roll up the rope as you jerk your foot.
- Use the "here" sign or command while this is done and the left hand smacking the pelvis. Say this command and the dog's name, starting with "Hey" if needed. When the dog is in the correct position, praise and loosen the leash. Maybe the dog will be left behind again, but you can simply repeat this process.
Step 6. Try placing your thumb in the pocket so that the length of the strap is at your convenience
Sudden stops and turns with a consistent length of leash seem more effective at directing the dog. Sometimes you will be too negligent in directing the dog if your hands are free so the dog can roam freely. Your thumb will keep the strap in place.
Step 7. Use a thick necklace
A small collar hurts the dog's neck, so even the training process will be painful.
Tips
- Let your dog be himself! Practice heeling while walking, taking a short break and letting him sniff, then call and heel again.
- You should always be patient when training your dog. Getting angry won't solve anything.
- Dogs tend to obey calm, firm voice commands, rather than angry ones.
- Try attaching the leash to your hips or wrapping it around your shoulders, so that your hands are free and you don't have to rely on the leash to pull your dog in, but allow him to learn the correct position without being forced.
- Consider the dog's size and strength compared to yours. Does the dog keep pulling you for a walk? Is the dog strong enough to grab you? Instead of a choke chain or pinch collar, use a front-flip harness or dumbbell head that can be purchased at a pet store.
