Teaching your puppy to “Heel” is a fundamental aspect of responsible dog ownership and ensures enjoyable walks for both of you. The “Heel” command trains your puppy to walk obediently alongside your foot on a chosen side, responding to cues like “Heel” as you move forward or change direction. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to achieve this, building a strong foundation for a well-behaved canine companion. Understanding commands like these can also be beneficial when you’re working on other training aspects, such as dog training counter surfing.
Introducing the “Heel” Command
Begin by selecting a consistent side for your puppy to walk on, either the left or right. Hold the leash in the hand on that side, gathering any slack with your other hand. Crucially, keep a treat readily available in the hand closest to your puppy. This treat serves as a powerful motivator and a tool to guide your puppy’s focus, as their nose will naturally follow the hand holding the reward. Maintain a straight arm, with your hand by your side, to help keep your puppy positioned correctly, preventing them from falling behind or running ahead.
To start, take a slow step forward with the foot nearest your puppy and simultaneously utter the “Heel” command. Continue this motion for a few steps, ensuring your puppy is walking alongside you. Then, pause, mark the desired behavior with a clear “Good!” and reward your puppy with a treat. Repeat this process of taking a few slow steps, marking the behavior, and rewarding. Consistency is key, so if other family members will be walking the puppy, ensure they use the same side. This unified approach will significantly aid your puppy’s learning and prevent confusion, which can lead to erratic walking patterns. Once your puppy has mastered “Heel” on one side, you can gradually introduce training on the other side.
Integrating “Heel” with “Place”
For puppies who tend to be energetic, especially when learning new and exciting commands, integrating “Heel” with the “Place” command can be highly beneficial. The “Place” command, which involves training your puppy to go to and stay on a designated mat or bed, provides a valuable point of focus and helps channel their energy productively. This is particularly helpful in the initial stages of learning “Heel,” as it offers a structured starting point and makes the overall training process smoother. You can learn more about the intricacies of the “Place” command in our previous blog.
To begin this exercise, have your puppy on their “Place.” Stand beside them, facing away from the mat, on the side you intend to practice “Heel.” Give the “Heel” command and take a few steps forward with the foot closest to your puppy. Continue to hold a treat in front of your puppy’s nose to maintain their focus and keep them in the correct walking position. Once they have walked with you for a few steps, praise them with “Good!” and offer the treat. Now, take a few more steps and practice turning around while repeating the “Heel” command. Keep the treat in front of their nose to help them maintain focus during the turn. Mark the correct behavior with “Good!” and provide the reward. Finally, take a few more steps, say “Heel,” then “Place,” pause briefly, and reward your puppy. This combined approach reinforces both commands and enhances your puppy’s overall responsiveness.
Combining “Heel” with a Sit Command
Another effective way to solidify the “Heel” command is by incorporating a “Sit.” This adds another layer of control and obedience to your puppy’s walking routine. When you’re out for a walk and your puppy is successfully heeling beside you, you can introduce the “Sit” command. As you feel your puppy falling into the heel position, give the “Sit” command. Once they sit, offer praise and a treat. This teaches your puppy that heeling is not just about walking beside you, but also about maintaining a controlled posture. This consistent reinforcement helps build a strong understanding of the desired behavior. For very young puppies still mastering house training, understanding the right training pad for dogs can also be a part of their overall learning process.
Mastering the “Heel” command is a rewarding journey that strengthens the bond between you and your puppy. By being patient, consistent, and utilizing positive reinforcement techniques, you can transform your walks into a harmonious experience. Remember, every puppy learns at their own pace, so celebrate the small victories and continue practicing. If you’re looking for more in-depth guidance or personalized training, consider exploring options like sit means sit dog training detroit for expert assistance.
