Training the dog to obey the heel command
- naturaldogfoodseo in category: Uncategorized
One of the basic obedience lessons that a dog owner should train the pet is the heel command. This command ensures the safety not only of the dog but of the pet owner as well. Of course a dog owner would be proud to have a well trained pet that obeys the heel command. Dogs are supposed to protect their owners and a large dog walking beside an elderly owner would be enough to intimidate potential wrongdoers.
How would you make the dog respond to the heel command? Training the dog to heel may intimidate other pet owners but it is really not an arduous task. Dogs are intelligent animals and with the use of positive reinforcement, the pet can learn to heel with the least effort. By using positive reinforcements, a dog owner can lure the pet to respond well to training because dogs have an innate behavior to please its master. Giving lavish praise and treats will be more effective in making the dog respond well to training rather than reprimands and punishments.
The heel command is aimed to teach the dog to walk or to run beside the master. Snap on a leash to the dog’s collar. Let the dog take the heel position either on your left or right side but be sure to use this position throughout the training so as not to confuse the dog. Use one hand to hold the leash and the other hand to hold the treat that will be used to lure the dog.
Get the dog’s attention by letting him smell the treat in your hand. Move forward while continuing to hold the treat at the dog’s eye level. Instead of moving forward, the dog may move across your body to get the treat in your hand. Give the leash a quick tug and say NO in an authoritative voice. Let the dog assume the heel position again and continue walking. Give the heel command and continue walking. Give the dog a treat if it obeys the heel command and continued to walk by your side. Repeat the process in short training sessions until the dog responds to the command even without the promise of a treat.
Walking the dog should a good bonding opportunity for a dog owner and the pet but it becomes an arduous task if the dog that was not trained to heel would pull on the leash. A dog owner can put a stop to this stressful situation by teaching the pet to respond to the heel command.
Sarah’s Dogs provides more information on how to train a dog to heel and dog first aid.
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