Heeling is a great way to keep your dog safe and under control in public places or when you’re out and about. Training your dog to heel is a simple and straightforward process that can be done with patience and consistency. With some basic tips and guidance, you can teach your dog to heel and enjoy a safe and stress-free walk with your pup.
Preparing Your Dog for Training
When teaching your dog to heel, it’s important to start with the basics. Before you start training your pup, make sure they’re in a calm and relaxed state of mind. Taking them for a walk or playing with them in the yard before you start training can be a great way to get them into a relaxed state of mind. Make sure they’re wearing a collar and a leash too, as this will help you keep them in control.
Understanding the Heeling Command
The heeling command is a valuable tool for keeping your dog safe and under control when out and about. The command means that your dog should walk next to you in a relaxed and obedient state and not wander off or pull on the leash. To teach your dog the heeling command, you’ll need to use positive reinforcement and be consistent with your commands.
Starting the Training Process
Once your dog is relaxed and wearing a collar and leash, it’s time to start the training process. Start by standing in one spot and saying the heeling command. Give your pup a treat when they respond to the command and stay by your side. Keep repeating the command and rewarding your pup until they understand that they should stay by your side when you say the command.
Teaching Your Dog to Heel on a Walk
Once your pup has learned the heeling command, it’s time to take them for a walk. When you’re out for a walk, keep your pup in the heel position and reward them when they stay by your side. If your pup starts to wander off, use the heeling command to bring them back to your side. Keep repeating the command and rewarding your pup until they learn to stay by your side.
Consistency is Key
Training your pup to heel is all about consistency. Make sure you’re giving your pup consistent commands and rewards so they learn what’s expected of them. If your pup responds to the command, make sure you reward them so they know they’ve done a good job. If they don’t respond to the command, don’t be too hard on them, just keep repeating the command and rewarding them when they do it right.
Be Patient
Training your dog to heel can be a lengthy process, so it’s important to be patient. Don’t expect your pup to learn the command overnight, as it may take some time for them to understand. Be consistent with your commands and rewards and keep practicing with your pup until they learn the command.
Practice Makes Perfect
Once your pup has learned the heeling command, it’s important to practice it often. Take your pup for regular walks and practice the heeling command. This will help reinforce the command and ensure that your pup stays safe and under control when out and about. It’s also important to practice the command in different environments, so your pup will understand it in any situation.
Conclusion
Heeling is an important command for keeping your pup safe and under control when out in public. With patience, consistency and positive reinforcement, you can teach your pup to heel and enjoy a stress-free walk with your pup. So, keep practicing the heeling command with your pup and soon they’ll be an expert heeler.