If your dog constantly tugs on the lead or pulls ahead to explore the environment, it can be stressful and difficult to control. Training your dog to heel is the perfect way to improve their lead manners and create an enjoyable walk for you and your canine companion.
The Command ‘Heel’
The command ‘heel’ is when a dog matches the walking pace of its owner in a controlled stride, directly next to them, without wandering away or pulling ahead on the lead.
Why Is It Important to Train Your Dog to Heel?
Training your dog to heel is beneficial for anyone looking to have more control over their dog’s actions. If you teach your dog to heel, they won’t drag you forward or lag far behind during walks, they will keep to your steady pace.
It also promotes safer dog walking because if they know how to heel, they are less likely to run off into the road, or chase other animals.
Preparing for Training
The best way to prepare for training is to have plenty of treats on hand. Smaller treats work best because you will be giving them a lot, to begin with, to reward good behaviour.
We recommend training your dog to heel on the lead first, and then gradually build up to being off-lead if you wish.
How to Train Your Dog to Heel
There are a few ways to teach your dog to heel. One of the most effective methods is ‘lure and reward’ which uses treats to teach your dog new behaviours. This method can be combined with clicker training. You will need a lead, a dog collar or harness, a clicker, and a handful of dog treats and complete the following steps:
1. Select a Training Location
Attach the lead to your dog and take them to a familiar but distraction-free area without other people or animals present. The back garden or hallway are good options.
2. Get Into Position
Stand so your dog is on your left-hand side, hold the clicker in your right hand and have a handful of treats in your left hand, so they are easily accessible to your dog.
3. Give the Sit Command
Tell your dog to sit and reward their good behaviour with a click and a treat. Before moving on to the next step, ensure that your dog’s attention is on you and that they are calm. It’s important your dog has mastered the sit command before continuing.
4. Give the Heel Command
Hold out a treat in front of your dog’s nose, give the heel command, and slowly step forward. The treat should act as a guide so that your dog follows you. For every couple of steps your dog walks next to you, reward them with a treat and give verbal praise. Remember, you want your dog to remain as close to you as possible, so keep your left hand with the treat near the side of your body instead of extending your arm outward.
5. Correct Bad Behaviour
Keep practising the above routine for 10 minutes at a time, with a few training sessions each day. If your dog wanders away or loses focus, stop walking, and call their name until they come back to you. Give the sit command and restart the process. Don’t lose patience with your dog if they do break out of the heel command during the learning process. Patience and consistency are key when training your dog.
6. Begin to Use Less Treats
Once you’ve been practising the heel command with your dog for at least a week, continue with the same method but keep the treats in your pocket so your left hand is empty. When your dog follows the heel command correctly and walks in stride next to you, reward them with a click, praise, and a treat from your pocket. Eventually, wait more and more steps before giving your dog a treat.
7. Add Distance and Distractions
Continue building up the distance between rewarding your dog with fewer treats until you are confident you can add in some distractions. You can begin to practise with them on their daily walks, or at the park. You may need to end up going back to treating them continuously with the added distractions, but continue through with the process.
8. Master the Heel Command
As your dog becomes more successful at heeling, use treats as a reward sparingly and instead rely mostly on verbal encouragement and praise.
Dog Training With A&T Trained Dogs
If you require some assistance with your dog training, our specialist dog trainers can step in and help! With countless testimonials, large facilities and a wealth of experience, our team can assist with effective recall. We also include a comprehensive handover so you can continue the work in your home and life. Contact us online or call us on 01524 587 315 for more information.
