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How To Train A Puppy To Heel

2016/5/4 10:34:13

Whether or not you know how to train a puppy, rest assured that you can succeed. There are certain things that you must learn yourself that will help you in your task.

Before we talk about teaching your puppy to heel, there are a few things to consider.

The first thing to understand is the difference between praise and petting. During training, you want your puppy to remain calm. If you show excitement when you praise your puppy for doing well, she will become excited too. When this happens you might as well stop trying to train her because she will not be able to focus on your instructions.

Many dog owners tend to rough up their pets while telling them what good dogs they are in an excited voice. This is fine when you have finished your training for the day, but the praise that you give after each command is obeyed should be strictly hands-off. Simply stand straight and tell your dog, "good boy" or "good girl" followed by his or her name.

How to train your puppy to heel

The first thing you need is a collar and leash. Use this to control and correct her.

In a quiet open place, either inside or outside, position your puppy beside you so that you are both facing in the same direction. Be sure your puppy's paws are lined up with your heel. From this position you're ready to begin teaching her the heel command.

Keep your arms straight down at your sides with the leash in one hand but relaxed. You want to keep your thumb behind the centerline of your leg about where the seam of a pants leg would be.

Begin walking forward. In all likelihood, your puppy will dart ahead. Immediately correct her with a slight pull on the leash saying, "heel" preceded by her name. Always use her name with each command so that she comes to relate the two.

Do not pull the leash back as this will only encourage her to pull forward. Instead, pull the leash towards you, sideways.

When she obeys, don't forget the praise. You can even introduce a treat in the early stages but you do not want to make this a habit once she has learned the command. If you do, she will become reliant on the treats rather than on the satisfaction of your praise for doing what pleases you.

If she continues to pull forward, walk in a circle instead of walking straight. This method will prevent her from becoming distracted by something ahead of her.

Alternate your speed to keep your puppy alert and further prevent her from taking the lead.

After you have made a complete circle, place your puppy into a sitting position. After several seconds begin another circle stopping after each one and making her sit. Don't forget to give her the command "sit". Continue for 5 circles and then start to walk straight. Command her to heel so that she walks beside you. Practice this twice a day.

Once you have perfected the "heel" command, you will probably want to know how to train a puppy to come to you or perhaps how to shake a paw. Before long, you will have a well behaved dog that you can be proud to show off.

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