Teaching Your Dog to Walk at Heel

First, begin with the right equipment. For walks, use a training collar, not your dog's regular leather collar. The leather collar is for his identification and to use for hands-on correction and control during his daily life. For walks, you need a strong, high quality training collar. A training collar should never be left on your dog when he is unsupervised because it could strangle him.

When you begin training, place your dog at the "heel" position. I train my dogs to heel to the right. Many people train their dogs to heel to the left. This is your choice. Start with the dog in the heel position and set out on the foot that is nearest the dog to signal him that you are going.

If your dog pulls ahead, say "Heel!" sharply, and set out in a new direction. Always have the direction you go be your decision, not your dog's. Choose set places where you will allow your dog to explore and/or relieve himself. Don't allow him to choose where he will stop and dawdle about. Correct him and move on.

When you are walking keep up a good pace and keep your dog at your heel by saying "Heel!", using leash corrections (pulling back sharply on the leash), and changing your direction when he begins to take control. Once your dog is well-trained, voice command and leash correction should be enough. You will not need to continue changing your direction every time your dog pulls on the leash.

When dogs are excited, not exercised enough or in a stimulating situation, they will tend to pull on the leash, even when well-trained. When this happens, correct by saying "Heel!" sharply and pulling the dog back to the heel position in one quick move. Do not break stride. Continue walking in the direction you wish to go. Do not allow the dog to control your behavior with his. You are the pack leader. You are in charge.

Be sure to exercise your dog regularly so he will not be overly excited every time you take him out. Remember to praise your dog any time he is doing well. When he is trotting along at your side, just as he should, tell him he is a good dog. When you stop at designated spots to allow him to explore and relieve himself, be sure to praise him.

For more about dog behavior and training, you may enjoy:

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