All dogs should be taught the five basic commands: "Sit", "Down", "Heel", "Stay", and "Come". Always to patient with your dog and keep in mind that different dogs learn at different rates. Your dog may learn faster or slower depending on his age, breed, temperament, and the amount of time that you have for practicing.

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching Your Dog The "Heel" Command

Safety Tip: Always purchase collars that fit your dog properly. Your dog should wear a plain nylon or leather buckle type collar with his I.D. tag, rabies tag, dog license, etc. attached at all times except when he is in his crate. His regular collar should be made so that it can be adjusted to the changing size of your dog. The collar should be tight enough that he cannot get his mouth or paws caught under the collar but loose enough that you can put two of your fingers easily between the collar and your dogs skin (depending on the size of the dog). Check your growing puppy or dog's collar daily and readjust or replace it if it becomes too tight or worn! Before you begin formal training most dogs should be about 6 months old. A training collar (choke chain or prong collar) is recommended and a six foot leash made of leather or nylon webbing. The choke chain training collar is made of metal chain and has a ring on each end. Be sure you purchase a collar that fits your dog. Measure your dog's head around the largest point and add two to three inches to determine the right size. The prong collar should only be loose enough to put your fingers between the prongs and your dogs neck. If the prongs are tight against the neck the collar needs to be larger. Remove or add links to the collar for minor adjustments. If your dog is still growing you may have to purchase more than one collar before your dog is full grown. NEVER leave a training collar such as a choke chain, prong collar or slip collar on your dog! These collars should only be on your dog during supervised training. It only takes a few minutes for your dog to get a training collar caught on a fence, furniture, crate or other object. If this happens he can easily injure himself or choke to death!

The "Heel" command can only be taught after your dog becomes accustomed to her collar and leash. Please read the safety tip above.
If your puppy or dog is not used to wearing a collar. Start by putting her regular buckle type on her for about an hour, then take it off. Supervise your dog carefully during this time but ignore any antics that she may do if she is trying to get the collar off. Distract her with toys and playing, but do not remove the collar until she is calm unless she becomes tangled in it. If this happens remove and readjust the collar. Gradually increase the time that she wears her collar until she is wearing it all day. Begin getting your dog used to a leash by attaching it to her collar and standing in one place. Allow her to walk around you but do not follow her. When she comes to the end of the leash encourage her to come back toward you with treats and PRAISE whenever the leash tightens. If she becomes frightened and starts jumping around, rolling on the ground or performing other antics ignore this behavior and encourage her to come back toward you to loosen the leash. If she becomes tangled in the leash go to her and straighten out the leash, but DO NOT pick her up, try to soothe her with words, petting or treats. This will only encourage the inappropriate behavior.

After she seems comfortable with this exercise put the training collar on her and remove her buckle collar, flea collar, etc. They can interfere with the action of or become tangled in the training collar and injure your dog. If you are using a choke chain always check to be sure you are putting it on properly. Start by running the links through either end. Make a "P" out of the chain. Face your dog and slip the "P" over your dog's head with the tail of the "P" going across the back of the dog's neck and hanging to the left. Attach the leash to the ring at the end of the tail of the "P". When the collar is on properly it will be loose when the leash loosens and tight when the leash tightens. Begin walking in any direction. Encourage your dog to come along with you by holding a treat in your left hand. It may take several days before she learns to accept that you are in control. Be patient but firm. DO NOT coddle her, if she stops before you reach your destination point keep walking. Focus on a point to walk to and walk to it. Once you both reach your destination give her lots of PRAISE and the treat and repeat the exercise.

After your dog becomes accustomed to her leash and training collar (about a week) you can begin teaching her the proper "Heel" position. Start by placing your dog in a sitting position at your left side with about six inches between you and your dog. Her front paws should be in line with the heels of your feet. Fold the leash, accordion style, and hold the folded part in your right hand. If you place the folded part of the leash at approximately the center of your chest it should go straight down to the back of your dog's neck, but should not be pulled tight. When you are holding the leash comfortably at waist level there will be a "U" of loose lead between you and the dog. Say your dog's name and the command "Heel" a second before you start walking, stepping off with your left foot first. Walk at a brisk pace. Talk to your dog and keep her attention. PRAISE when she is in the proper heel position! If she starts to lag behind pat your leg with your left hand or give a quick jerk with the leash. If she forges ahead give a quick jerk leash correction back and toward your body with your left hand, then PRAISE and give an occasional treat when she is back in the proper "heel" position. Your dog will soon learn that when she is in the proper position the collar and leash will be loose. Always try to work with a loose leash. DO NOT hold your dog at your side with a tight lead. Walk a few feet and then stop and command your dog to "Sit". When she is sitting PRAISE and give an occasional treat. Gently pull straight up on the leash with your right hand and push gently on your dog's rear with your left hand if necessary to encourage her to sit. PRAISE even if you had to physically put your dog in the sitting position. Repeat the exercise. Each time you start walking say your dog's name, then the command "Heel" and step off with your left foot first. Each time you stop command your dog to "Sit". Walk around in circles, squares, zig zags and any patterns that you wish. Stop and start over every few feet. Soon your dog should start sitting automatically when you stop. PRAISE her when she does. The sit should become an automatic part of walking with you with no command necessary.