How to heel?

Question

Is it possible to teach an old dog, who is used to leading the walks when we go, to heel all of a sudden? How would I go about doing this?

Answer 1

First off, be sure you understand the definition of heeling as opposed to loose leash walking. If a dog heels, he walks glued to his owner's left side, doesn't deviate from that spot, and sits every time the owner stops moving. Loose leash walking on the other hand is simply not pulling and walking within the confines of the leash area.

If you want to teach your dog to heel, start by getting him to sit when you raise a treat above his head. If he can do this, see if he'll do it when you raise your hand up to your own shoulder. If he does, you're on the right track.

Once you ensure you dog will sit with the hand motion, have him stand directly to your left, facing forward. I would put the leash behind my back in my right hand so he can not walk in front of me, and a few treats in my left. Tell the dog "heel" and take ONE step, leading him forward with the treats in your left hand. Once you take the step, bring your left hand up to your shoulder and wait for him to sit. Do not give a verbal command to sit--your dog needs to understand that sitting when you stop is all part of the "heel" command. If your dog will not sit with only the visual cue, gently scoop his hindquarters til he's in the sitting position, then tell him "Good heel!" and give him one of the treats.

Rinse and repeat several times, taking only ONE step each time. Once you feel comfortable taking single steps with your dog sitting each time (and facing the right direction), continue onto taking two steps, and then gradually more. Once you can walk a good distance in a straight line, start incorporating a few easy 90 degree turns into the routine, luring him along with those treats.

Remember: you should only have to give the heel command once each time, and you should not have to give your dog a verbal sit cue. Heel consists of staying on your left side, not deviating from your side, and sitting when you stop moving.

It could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before your dog really starts catching on, but he'll get the hang of it if you continue to work consistantly with him and praise him each time he does the exercise correctly.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes. First, take him for a good long run to work off some steam. Then, shorten up your leash and start training him. Make him sit right next to you, then say "Joey, heel!" and start walking. You can pat your leg or use his favorite toy or a treat to show him where you want him to be. Tug him back if he tries to get ahead of you. You can also make big circles to the left, then make them smaller and smaller. Since he should be walking on your left, he has to walk more slowly to get out of your way. Make him sit next to you every time you stop. Praise him when he's walking calmly at your side without pulling, and occasionally give him his toy or the treat as a reward.

If he's a strong puller, the FourPaws No-Pull Trainer Harness works nicely or you can use a Halti or Gentle Leader.

These are the books that I recommend to my students; you can get them on Amazon.com
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
What All Good Dogs Should Know – Volhard http://www.volhard.com/
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

Answer 3

Old or young, obedience classes will help you and your dog!

Answer 4

are we talkin about heelys cause if we are i dont know but if you really want to know how to theach a dog how to heel go to animal planet.com