Look Who's Walking: 3 Tips That Can Help You Teach Your Dog To Heel

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For many dog owners, the thought of talking their dog for a walk comes with anxiety and stress. This is because while they may plan on taking their overactive dog for a walk, the dog usually ends up walking them as they forge ahead investigating one distraction after the next.

If you have found yourself in this situation, the three tips outlined below can help in your efforts to teach your dog how to heel so that the two of you can enjoy a peaceful walking experience:

Tip #1: Remember The Walk Starts The Moment You Put On Their Leash

Many pet owners do not start their training efforts until they have successfully gotten their dog out the door and on to the sidewalk. This is a mistake. The process of walking your dog should begin the moment you put their leash on.

When preparing for a walk, insist that your dog remains calm through each step of the process. This means that they are ready to pay attention to you and follow the commands that you give. If your dog is hyper and trying to pull towards the door when you put their leash on, make them sit and remain calm for a few minutes before actually working your way to the door.

If you let them be in charge at the beginning of the walk, they will want to be in charge throughout the entire walk.

Tip #2: Show Them That Only You Know Where You're Going

If you and your dog often take the same route during your walk, they will try and predict your movements and pull ahead. This is why it is so important to constantly remind them that only you know exactly where you're going and that they must pay attention to you in order get the directions they need.

In order to do this, begin by always positioning your dog on your left hand side and holding the leash in your right hand. This will allow the leash to hang in front of your body while you are walking.

If your dog begins to pull ahead, rather than yanking on the leash, simply make a sharp left turn and begin walking in another direction. This will catch your dog off guard and they will need to redirect their attention to you in order to find out where you are headed. Repeat this step each time your dog forges ahead. Before long, you will notice that your dog stops trying to walk in front of you.

Tip #3: Reward Your Dog For Making Eye Contact

Learning to heel is all about your dog's willingness to watch you and respond to your verbal and nonverbal cues. This means that while you are looking ahead during your walk, your dog should be making eye contact with you.

Glance down from time to time while you are walking and reward your dog each time you catch them making eye contact with you. This will teach them to keep their attention on you at all times. To learn more, contact a company like The Pet Spot Pet Resort for more help.

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14 May 2015

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