Heel

To prevent "pulling", I like to teach my students the "walk on a loose lead" on a Flexi lead. The reasoning for this is twofold.  When a dog is walking at the end of a 18-20 foot Flexi, he does not pull because he can sniff and investigate away from the owner without having to pull the owner to whatever it is he is interested in. I also suggest that students use their recalls while on their recreational walks.  I ask them to keep liver or cookies on their pockets to encourage the dog to return on a "come" command VOLUNTARILY, you can always reel him in if he balks.

Teaching the heel command from loose lead or Flexi is simply a graduation from the Flexi to shorter and shorter leashes, using and enforcing the heel command. The handler then releases to the loose walk for shorter and shorter time periods, while asking for tighter and closer walking patterns.

All of this can be dispensed quickly, with if the heeling work starts as a puppy of 2-3 months.  Many of the pups we start at this age are ready for CGC test by 6 months old or sooner.  The older dogs require more patience and effort, but it is still a simple exercise.

            Begin by getting your pup to stand or sit next to you on your left side.  In a pleasant tone of voice, say your pup’s name with the command “Heel,” immediately moving forward with your left foot, the one closest to the pup.  Do not wait for the pup to begin walking.  Simply move forward, tapping your left leg enthusiastically with your left hand.  If she should fail to move, give a quick pop of the leash/”No”, repeat the command and praise her as she begins to move forward.  Be animated.  It is important for your pup to sense your enthusiasm and encouragement as she is following you. 

            As you proceed in the same direction, it is probably that your pup will soon trot past you and begin pulling in the leash.  Do not pull or jerk the puppy back to your side.  Instead give a quick pop/”No” correction and immediately reverse your direction 180 degrees, tapping your leg reassuringly as you say “Hell” again.  Praise her warmly as she follows after you.  By going back and forth, using little pop-release corrections when necessary, your pup will quickly begin looking to you as leader, watching to see when you are going to turn. 

            As you and your pup become more proficient at walking on leash, vary your routine, practicing left and right hand turns, figure eights and circle patterns.  With puppies, it is important that you prepare them for the turns.  Several steps before you turn, say your pup’s name as you bend over slightly and slap your leg, getting her full attention.  Then say “Heel,” turning as you allow her to follow with you.  If she scoots off in another direction, correct her and continue encouraging her.  When you do this consistently over several months, you will be amazed how quickly you pup learns to follow you. 

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