My dog (german shepherd) has never really had a problem with leash walking- and he rarely pulls. His only problem is winding around my legs, switching off from left to right, and stopping to play with/smell something on the ground. How should i teach him to heel?
2007-01-01 02:46:57 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Happy New Year Jojo. Training the "heel" is kind of hard to explain this way. Ok, first thing is a proper collar, not a halty, because you cannot give a proper correction with one. Place your leash on the active ring of the collar and while the dog is on your left side, say "heel" and step off with LEFT LEG FIRST. Now there are a couple of ways of doing to motivate the dog and reward it. I use a ball when I first start teaching a dog. The difference is that I hold the ball under my neck, after I show it to him. With the ball under my chin, I walk and if the dog is properly motivated by the ball, he will be looking at me and see where the ball goes. There is no walking between my legs and jumping around because everytime he does he is firmly brought back to my left and he wants to keep an eye on that ball. When I stop, and he has done it right, he gets the ball as a reward, GIVEN TO HIM and not thrown away from me. he is allowed to keep it for a few minutes and then we do it again. Either new ball, or a soggy one under your chin. Again, This is a very rudimentary outline. There are many variables that can come up, and they will, you just have to be able to keep the dog focused on what you want. My dogs are focused on my face and clearly understand my alpha positon in our pack, so we do not have as many problems as others. Again, this is better demonstrated in person then described here.
2007-01-01 03:24:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obedience classes are a good idea because it's a great way to socialize your dog. But, to help you in the meantime, have him on your left side, short leash. As you start off, always with your left foot, say "heel" and keep him close to you. If he's on a short leash, he really can't wind around you or switch sides. Give him lots of praise, some treats for walking nicely. Be patient and calm, he'll get it.
How old is your dog? If he's a puppy, you should really give him some time to enjoy his walk. What I've taught all my dogs throughout the years is "stay close" which they learn means that they don't have to stay strictly in the heel position, but they also learn it means they can't pull or roam too far. They do have the option to wander and sniff, and lift their legs, etc. Give him the length of the leash and if you don't want him switching sides, just stop him when he tries - say no and encourage him back to the left side.
Dogs are smart - he can learn what both commands mean if you're patient and consistent and both of you will enjoy your walks. Mine (because I walk 3 at a time) have to be really good on the leash and to them the "stay close" command means freedom to wander a bit.
2007-01-01 03:07:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "Heel" very loudly to your dog and then pick your dog up and put it next to your feet- either in front or to the side. Keep doing this repeatedly for a week. Then take your dog to a wide open grass area (a common/park) and practice. Whenever your dog does it correctly or nearly right then give it a small treat. E.g a bisciut rumb or a small titbit of meat!
Good luck! :-D
2007-01-01 02:57:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
We tought my dog, by gently tugging on his leash, bringing him over to the side you want him on, and saying 'heel'. When he did a good job, we'd reward him, and try again. Repetition and rewards are the way to get the dog to do what you want. Just be careful not to wear the dog out.
2007-01-01 05:29:55 · answer #4 · answered by Sweet S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to obedience class. That is the easiest way to train heeling. It is not very easy to explain over the computer, and you need someone there to help when you are having some of the common problems.
2007-01-01 02:56:23 · answer #5 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Same as everything with dogs: reward. I trust your dog has reached adulthood. If so, reward him/her when he/she complies to your order to heel with some appropriate bit of food you keep somewhere in your pockets (it's got to be dry food). When the dog gets to understand what it is you expect from him/her, you can progressively swap to fondling his/head.
2007-01-01 02:55:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to give his less leash when walking. Repeat the word heal each time you (gently) pull up on leash to position him.
http://www.ehow.com/how_66_train-dog-heel.html
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-heel/page1.aspx
2007-01-01 03:06:48 · answer #7 · answered by whateverhohum 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋