I'm currently getting ready to teach Kodee his next new command, "heel." He already walks fairly nicely on a leash, and I've had him always walk on my left side since I got him at 7 weeks old, so that is pretty much automatic for him (unless we're just wandering around in the yard for a potty break.) He is usually pretty good (but not perfect) at not pulling. He will eventually be a therapy dog, if things go right. It isn't a requirement, but it would be nice, if i could teach him a more formal heel. I'd like him to always walk on a loose lead, shoulder about even w/my left knee, (even during changes in direction, of course), and sit automatically upon halting.
Can anyone tell me the best way to train this? Thanks!
Im not exactly sure how to teach the formal heel, but for the auto-sit, just keep asking for a sit upon halting, and sooner or later, they just start to automatically do it. Everytime you do a "formal" walk stop every so often and look down at Kodee, if he doesnt sit automatically give the command. Once he sits, move forward a fw steps and stop again. Look down, and again ask for a sit, if he hasnt offered one. You can use treats to help move it along faster. Everytime you stop and ask for a sit, give a treat when he sits. The more repetition, the faster it will come to him naturally.
My dogs dont have a formal "heel" where their focus us up on me, but they do walk politely at my side with no pulling. I tie their leashes to my belt loops so i can have free hands, and once we stop they sit automatically. Actually if we dont move forward again right away, they will lay down and wait.. lol Good Luck!
Originally Posted By: Deejays_OwnerDon't know how far you want to go with training.
Here is a link for you has some nice video's puppy training with food.
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I am using the treat system for now, and giving her a treat everytime she sits, whether I ask for it or not. Slowly I'll wean her off of them. She is doing quite well, and I cannot wait to see where she's at in a month's time.
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