Steps To Train Your Dog to Heel Like a Pro

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Walking to heel involves training your dog to match your pace and direction without pulling on the leash or wandering off. Starting this training early with a puppy, focusing on food and lure training, sets a strong foundation. Depending on their temperament and previous habits, older dogs can also learn to heel, though it may take more time. Here are a few essential steps to train your dog to heel.

Find a Quiet Training Area

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Begin in a quiet, distraction-free environment like your backyard or a park with minimal foot traffic. You could also train inside your house or in a spacious room with fewer distractions. Have plenty of yummy treats cut into small pieces ready.

Choose the Right Equipment

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Use a sturdy, comfortable leash and a properly fitting collar or harness. A front-clip harness can help reduce pulling during training. The leash should not be too long so your dog follows closer to your body, especially during training.

Start with Basic Obedience

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Before teaching heel, ensure your dog knows basic commands like sit, stay, and come. This establishes a foundation of communication and obedience. You want your dog to look up directly at you without getting distracted by the treats in your hand.

Introduce the Heel Position

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Call your dog’s name and point to your left side where you want them to stand. You want their shoulder in line with your leg. When your dog comes alongside you, use a clicker or say “yes,” then reward. Repeat this a few times.

Constantly Reward

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Keep moving with your dog on your left and constantly reward as they continue to follow you. Get them comfortable with pivoting, turning around, or stopping in that position. Use the treat to keep their attention focused on you.

Use a Verbal Cue

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Take a treat in your left hand, cue your dog to come beside you, bring your hand out to the side, say the command “heel,” and take a step with your left foot forward. Then, bring your hand up, lure your dog, take a few steps, sit, mark, and reward. Be patient and do this multiple times.

Practice Short Sessions

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To keep your dog engaged and excited during training, it’s important to keep the sessions relatively short, lasting about 10 to 15 minutes each time. It’s also beneficial to schedule multiple short sessions throughout the day to reinforce the training effectively.

Increase Distractions Gradually

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Once your dog reliably heels in a quiet environment, introduce distractions such as other dogs, people, or enticing scents. Gradually increase your pace, turn, or zig-zag to “lose” your dog so they find their position again. Add eye contact commands like “Look” or “Watch Me.”

Phase out Treats

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As your dog becomes more accustomed to desired behaviors, gradually decrease the frequency of giving treats. However, continuously reinforce positive behavior by intermittently praising and rewarding your dog.

Be Patient and Consistent

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Training a dog is a unique journey, as they all have their learning pace. It’s essential to exercise patience and maintain consistency throughout the training process. Celebrate each step of progress and gently address any mistakes that may occur along the way.

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