Teaching your puppy to walk calmly by your side is a fundamental aspect of responsible dog ownership. The “Heel” command is designed to train your puppy to follow alongside your leg on a chosen side, maintaining pace and position whether you’re walking forward or changing direction. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to achieve this, ensuring a more enjoyable and controlled walking experience for both you and your furry companion.
The Fundamentals of “Heel” Training
When initiating “Heel” training, consistency is key. Choose either the left or right side for your puppy to walk on and commit to it. Hold the leash in the hand on that side, gathering any slack with your other hand. Crucially, keep a treat readily accessible in the hand closest to your puppy. This allows for immediate rewards and helps recapture their attention if it wavers. Remember, a treat held naturally in front of your puppy’s nose will guide their focus and encourage them to stay in the correct position, preventing them from lagging behind or forging ahead. Keeping your arm straight and your hand near your side will further reinforce the proper walking alignment.
To begin, take a slow step forward with the foot nearest to your puppy, saying the “Heel” command as you do. After a few steps with your puppy successfully walking beside you, stop, praise them with a positive marker like “Good!”, and offer a treat. Continue this pattern of taking a few slow steps, marking the behavior, and rewarding your puppy. This gradual approach builds understanding and positive association with the command.
A practical tip for households with multiple dog walkers is to establish a consistent walking side for the puppy. This uniformity significantly aids the learning process and prevents the puppy from becoming confused, which can lead to erratic, zig-zagging movements during walks. Once your puppy has a solid grasp of the “Heel” command, you can gradually introduce variations.
Integrating “Heel” with “Place” and Turns
For puppies who tend to get overly excited, especially during new training experiences, integrating “Heel” with the “Place” command can be highly beneficial. The “Place” command provides a target for their energy, channeling it constructively rather than allowing it to manifest as zooming or distraction. This is particularly helpful in the early stages of “Heel” training, when both puppy and owner are still getting accustomed to the process.
To begin this combined exercise, have your puppy on their designated “Place.” Stand beside them, facing away from their “Place” area, on the side you intend to practice “Heel.” Say the “Heel” command and take a few steps forward with the foot closest to your puppy. Keep a treat in your hand, held in front of your puppy’s nose to maintain their focus and correct positioning. Once your puppy has walked alongside you for a few steps, praise them with “Good!” and give the treat.
Now, take a few more steps forward, but this time, initiate a turn, saying “Heel” as you do. Continue to hold the treat in front of your puppy’s nose to help them maintain focus and navigate the turn smoothly. Mark the correct behavior with “Good!” and offer the reward. After a few more forward steps, say “Heel,” “Good!” and reward them again. Finally, take a few additional steps, say “Heel,” followed by the “Place” command, pause briefly, and then reward your puppy. This sequence reinforces the transition back to their designated spot after a “Heel” exercise.
“Heel” with a Sit
The “Heel” command can also be effectively combined with the “Sit” command, further enhancing your puppy’s obedience and control during walks. This variation teaches your puppy to remain in a heel position and then sit promptly upon command, reinforcing a strong understanding of impulse control.
To practice “Heel” with a “Sit,” begin by walking your puppy in the heel position as you normally would. Once your puppy is walking comfortably beside you, issue the “Sit” command. As they sit, immediately praise them and offer a treat. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the duration they hold the sit before you release them. This exercise not only strengthens the “Heel” command but also builds your puppy’s ability to respond to multiple cues in succession, a crucial skill for overall obedience. Consider exploring resources on training a puppy not to pull when walking to complement your heel training.
Addressing Common Challenges
During “Heel” training, you might encounter a few common issues. If your puppy consistently lags behind, ensure your treat lure is held correctly and used effectively to guide them forward. If they tend to pull ahead, your leash handling and the consistency of your stops and rewards are critical. Remember that puppies have short attention spans, so keeping training sessions brief and positive is essential. If your puppy struggles with distractions, practice in quieter environments before moving to busier areas. For persistent issues, seeking guidance from a professional trainer or consulting resources like how to keep my puppy from jumping or how to stop a puppy from jumping on me can provide valuable insights. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the cornerstones of successful dog training.
Conclusion: A Foundation for Pleasant Walks
Mastering the “Heel” command is a rewarding journey that lays the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyable walks. By consistently applying these techniques, you’ll build a stronger bond with your puppy and ensure they become a well-behaved companion in all environments. Remember to celebrate every small success, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you encounter significant challenges. For more tips on various training aspects, you might find guidance on how to train puppy to pee on pad and how to get puppy to stop barking at night beneficial in creating a well-rounded, obedient dog.
