There are many different dog training techniques that are used on dogs of all ages, and for many reasons. Some techniques are used for obedience training, while others are used to correct behavior problems. You can use any technique to train your dog however you see fit. This article will concentrate on how to teach your dog to heels.
Although many people think of shock collars as the tool of choice for dog training, they can actually be counterproductive in some dogs. I never would have used a shock collar to train my dog when I had him spayed five years ago because I already knew he was wild about me. The spaying had done nothing to diminish his desire to mate with me, so I simply wanted to get him past the “petting portion” of the training. At the time I believed that spaying would eliminate the need for dog e-collar training.
My first technique to teach your dog to heel was to begin walking forward with my dog on my left foot. When he glances at me, slap his hip with my left foot. Hee, he quickly goes into the heel zone. Praise him enthusiastically when he’s in the heel zone and continue to give him positive reinforcement when he begins to move into the forward walking position. He should stay in the heel zone for at least two steps before becoming aggressive.
To teach your dog the leash movement, begin by holding the leash at your chest height and move your arm into a push-up position as if you were trying to push your dog into the “heel zone”. Your dog should now enter the “heel zone” and enter forward into the forward position. Keep your arm locked in this push-up position. Then use the leash to guide your dog through the desired motion. Be sure that you do not let your dog to slide out of the forward position and begin walking backward with the leash in your right hand.
The second technique to teach your dog to heel is more difficult than the first. In order to teach your dog this movement, begin walking forward with your dog on your left foot. When you notice your dog looking at you, gently guide him into the heel zone? Again be patient and keep your arm locked in place. You will begin to see your dog begin to move in the direction of your left hip.
To train your dog for the heel position, again begin walking forward with your dog on your left foot. As soon as you notice your dog looking at you again, gently guide him into the heel position. Again be in control of the situation and stop immediately when you feel that your dog is about to fall. Do not allow your dog to continue forward when you have put your foot down. Continue walking backwards until your dog has reached the neutral position. Then begin tapping his nose in a signaling fashion to indicate that he is in the correct position.
To reinforce this second technique to teach your dog to heel, continue to walk forward with your dog in the heel zone. If your dog begins to move in the direction of your left hip, begin tapping the side of his nose. Once your dog has reached the neutral position, begin walking forward with your left foot. When you see that your dog is about to step into the forward position, give him the command heel and immediately make a push with your right foot to correct his step.
The final exercise is the most difficult. It is very difficult because you must force your dog into the heel zone. This requires good coordination between your dog’s mind and body. Try and be as calm as possible, be in control and use a leash while holding your dog in the heel zone.
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