Questions tagged [heel]
How do you teach a dog to heel while walking in a crowd?
Category: Basic Commands
Teaching a dog to heel while walking in a crowd is a valuable skill that ensures safety, control, and a pleasant experience for both the dog and the handler. Heeling means the dog walks calmly and closely beside you, typically on your left side, without pulling, lunging, or straying. This behavior i...
What are the best ways to practice the "heel" command with distractions?
Category: Basic Commands
Practicing the "heel" command with distractions is a critical step in ensuring your dog can maintain focus and obedience in real-world situations. The "heel" command requires your dog to walk closely by your side, typically on your left, without pulling or straying. Training this behavior in distrac...
What should you do if your dog becomes anxious while heeling?
Category: Basic Commands
If your dog becomes anxious while heeling, it is important to address the issue promptly and thoughtfully. Anxiety during heeling can stem from various causes, including fear, overstimulation, lack of confidence, or past negative experiences. Below is a detailed guide on how to handle this situation...
How do you teach a dog to heel while walking on a busy street?
Category: Basic Commands
Teaching a dog to heel while walking on a busy street is a valuable skill that ensures safety, control, and a more enjoyable experience for both the dog and the handler. Heeling means the dog walks calmly and closely beside you, typically on your left side, without pulling, lunging, or straying. Her...
What is the purpose of the "heel" command?
Category: Basic Commands
The "heel" command is a fundamental obedience cue used in dog training to teach a dog to walk calmly and closely beside their handler, typically on the left side. This command is essential for maintaining control, ensuring safety, and fostering a well-behaved dog in various environments. Below is a ...
How do you position your dog when teaching them to heel?
Category: Basic Commands
Teaching a dog to heel is an essential skill for both obedience and safety. Proper positioning is critical to ensure your dog understands the command and can perform it consistently. Here’s a detailed guide on how to position your dog when teaching them to heel, along with additional insights and ...
What type of leash is best for teaching a dog to heel?
Category: Basic Commands
When teaching a dog to heel, the type of leash you choose plays a significant role in the effectiveness of the training process. The best leash for teaching a dog to heel is a standard 4 to 6-foot flat leash made of durable material, such as nylon or leather. This length provides enough control whil...
How do you correct a dog that pulls while learning to heel?
Category: Basic Commands
Correcting a dog that pulls while learning to heel requires patience, consistency, and a clear understanding of canine behavior. Heeling is a foundational obedience skill where the dog walks calmly beside the handler, typically on the left side, without pulling or lagging. Pulling is a common issue,...
What rewards work best for reinforcing the "heel" command?
Category: Basic Commands
Reinforcing the "heel" command effectively requires understanding what motivates your dog and how to use rewards strategically. The "heel" command teaches a dog to walk calmly and closely beside their handler, typically on the left side, without pulling or straying. This behavior is essential for sa...
How do you teach a dog to heel after they’ve mastered "sit" and "stay"?
Category: Basic Commands
Teaching a dog to heel after they have mastered basic commands like "sit" and "stay" is an important step in advanced obedience training. Heeling involves teaching your dog to walk calmly and closely by your side, typically on your left, without pulling on the leash or wandering off. This skill is p...