Training your dog to walk nicely by your side, a behavior known as heeling, is a fundamental skill that can significantly enhance your walks together. Whether you have a bouncy puppy or an older dog, teaching this command can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through a positive reinforcement technique to help your canine companion learn to love walking beside you.
To begin, gather a generous supply of small, high-value treats. These will serve as powerful motivators for your dog. Start your training sessions in a spacious indoor area, such as a large room or a hallway, to minimize distractions.
The core of this method involves shaping your dog’s behavior. Start by calling your dog’s name and clearly indicating the side you wish them to walk on, traditionally the left for formal obedience. The moment your dog moves into the desired position beside you, mark the behavior with a clicker or a verbal cue like “yes,” followed immediately by a treat. Repeat this process a few times.
Once your dog understands the basic cue, gradually reduce the explicit prompts. Stop calling their name and pointing; instead, allow your dog to willingly step into the heel position on their own. Be ready to mark and reward every instance they achieve this. This encourages your dog to think and anticipate the correct positioning.
As your dog becomes more proficient, introduce challenges to the exercise. Begin to increase your walking pace, make turns, or even move in a zig-zag pattern. The goal here is to create slight difficulties that encourage your dog to actively find and maintain their heel position. This helps them learn to adjust their gait and focus on you even when movement is less predictable.
A crucial next step is to incorporate eye contact. Once your dog is reliably heeling, begin to cue them to “look” or “watch me.” Rewarding your dog for maintaining eye contact while in the heel position further solidifies their focus on you and strengthens your bond. This also helps prevent them from becoming easily distracted by their surroundings.
Handy Training Tips
For those interested in formal dog sports, remember that “heel” is traditionally on the left side for obedience and rally competitions. Teaching a puppy to heel on leash is a great starting point for young dogs.
To prevent your dog from simply following a lure, hold your treat hand at your chest rather than extending it. This ensures they are walking beside you based on the cue, not just the food. It also helps discourage jumping.
When rewarding your dog, be sure to deliver the treat with the hand closest to them. This reinforces the heel position and prevents them from cutting across your body to reach the treat.
Always provide verbal affirmation with a click or a “yes” the moment your dog performs the correct action. This clear communication is vital for their understanding. Getting a dog to walk to heel effectively requires consistent positive reinforcement.
For dogs struggling with leash walking in general, exploring resources on how to teach your dog to walk can provide a broader foundation. Additionally, visual learners might find a teaching a dog to walk on a leash video helpful. If you’re aiming for off-leash heeling, understanding how to train a puppy to walk without a leash is a more advanced but achievable goal.
Training your dog to heel is a journey that builds communication, trust, and a stronger partnership between you and your canine companion. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to success. If you encounter persistent challenges or desire personalized guidance, consider reaching out to professional dog trainers who can offer expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
