Dogs walking on left side of you.?

Question

Why do they need to walk on the left? When I take him on his daily walks we get on this narrow sidewalk and theres no way around it. If I make him go on my left he'll be right next to the cars. He's really good about not pulling and everything but I worry when he gets so close to cars so I pull him to my right.

I've just always heard they had to walk on the left side for some reason.

Answer 1

There's absolutely nothing wrong with walking him on the right.

Answer 2

Honestly it really doesnt matter, It is more about consistency than anything. If this were to be a service animal or show animal or even if you are going to do obedience or sport trials you would want to be consistent with the others so on the left is recommended.
For therapy or guide dogs they are on the street side on PURPOSE to help to guide and keep the client from danger on the street.

By the way the "only mount a horse on the left" is the same thing its about consistency but if on a horse you dont know realize they are trained this way usually though.

Answer 3

It is just the way it is done, dogs are trained to walk to your left. This doesn't mean you can never put them on the other side but most times, put the dog on your left. If you don't train the dog to walk to one side, you are going to have a dog that crosses in front of you, possibly tripping you, or, wrapping around your legs. It is just best to train them and since all obedience classes, train to the left, as well as most people training their dog that side, may as well go with the 'flow'.

Answer 4

I know there is an original reason why dogs are suppossed to be heeled to your left, however, I cannot remember why, nor can I find the reason.

If you prefer a right side heel, then go for it.. a left side heel is not set in stone.


well here ya go, traffic safety.. you are suppossed to face oncoming traffic so you see whats coming

"Safely walking a dog. " Dogs are supposed to be trained to heel on the handlers left side, and one is supposed to walk on any roadway FACING oncoming traffic. Therefore, when one is walking on the road (as opposed to a sidewalk), the dog whould always be on/next to the shoulder of the road, and the handler would be closest to moving vehicles.

Answer 5

I walk any big dog or dog that pulls on my right just because I am right handed. Most people do suggest the left, but that is just custom, not a rule set in stone.

Answer 6

Gosh, I never knew that. I would think it would be just the opposite. I know you mount a horse on the left, and approach a cow on the right to milk her, but dog sides are new. You know, that's crazy because when I watch the dog shows on TV, the dogs are on the right on the handler--the left side of the dog is next to the handler.

Answer 7

I always thought that dogs had to be walked on your left side also, but after watching dog training shows on TV, I find that what is most important is that your dog is well behaved on the leash and doesn't drag you down the street. If you and your dog are more comfortable with him walking on your right, then walk him on your right.

Answer 8

When I walk my dogs, I walk the strongest ones (I walk 6 dogs) on my right because I'm stronger on that side. I don't think it matters as long as it's the same each time & you can control him. The most important thing is that you walk him & you both enjoy it.

Answer 9

For obedience competition they need to heel on the left.

You can teach your dog to walk on any side you want him to.

Having a dog heel on the left side started many many years ago. Most people are right handed, having the dog heel on the left side left their right hands open for other things.

Answer 10

I had no idea they were supposed to. Mine walks wherever he wants. Sometimes crosses in front of me so close I stumble over him. We are rural but I also put him on whatever side is away from the traffic to protect him. I have a 26' retractable lead so he can just wander if he wants.

Answer 11

The walking on the left comes from training for dogs who work with police or military as patrol dogs. It frees up the officers right hand ( normally the dominate hand) for use of his/her firearm.