Home Based Dog Training

Another command which is important to teach your dog is the heel command. It is also one of the most popular commands being taught to dogs. And like every other command, this will take time on your part. But once you are able to teach your dog how to heel properly, you will be greatly rewarded for all your hard work. This will save you from getting annoyed if your dog does not behave during your short or long walks.

There are plenty of reasons why dogs are badly behaved in terms of going on walks. But commonly, this is because your dog can get too excited in walking. This is because he gets to experience new tastes, smells, and even the other dogs he can see. So in order to put a stop to this excitement, your dog must be taught how to heel.

One of the most recommended times when you can train your pet so that he will do what you say is before his feeding time. This is normally the time when you can get rid of the unwanted fuss and tugs with your pet since he will give you more attention than the usual if he wants something. In addition, it is much better and easier to train younger dogs and puppies. This is because even if they get over excited, they can still be much better behaved as they mature.

Once the heel command is performed properly, it can stop your pet in his tracks. He will stop whatever it is that he is doing and go back to your left hand side. Surely, every dog owner would want their dog to learn how to do this. Any distractions to your dog will be left alone as your pet walks close to your side. Now isn’t that an amazing quality of a dog?

In order to begin the training, you must take your pet to an open space that has enough room for him to walk and move around properly. This training procedure will also require you to have a long leash so that you can gently correct your pet.

Start by tapping your thigh and saying “heel” so that you can get your dog’s attention to come towards you. Once he is beside you, wait for two seconds before you walk forward. During this time, your innocent pet will try to run off ahead of you since he is assuming you are playing. When he does this, turn in the other direction as you let his leash get loose for about 5 to 10 feet. Start walking in the other direction. Once the lead goes in the slack, your pet will realize that you have gone in the other direction and he will run back towards you once more.

During this time, repeat the initial heel command so that your dog goes to your side. Keep repeating this practice for about 10 to 15 minutes for two to three times each day. Soon enough, your dog will be accustomed to going to your side and obey you when you tell him the heel command. Once he is used to the command, try going around in a circle, a figure of eight or changing directions abruptly. If the heel command is still working on him, then you can take your dog for short walks first before you progress to longer walks.