The one most important thing you will want to keep in
mind with this command is, you have to make yourself more interesting
than anything else around you during your walks. Give your dog a reason
to stay with you, talk to him, give him a "sit" command, stop,
make him lie down for one second, make it an interesting walk. The most
common reason for dogs forging ahead of their owner is they become bored,
or their owner allows them to smell at everything along the way, so
before you know it "Rover" is pulling you along wherever he
wishes to go. Without realizing it, the owner is also allowing
"Rover" to be in charge of his own destiny.
You should begin your walk by telling your dog
"Heel"; use his name first to get his attention and be very
enthusiastic as you give the command. Now, do not forget to talk to him
so he pays attention to you, praise him when he is in the correct heel
position, which is dog on your left, his right shoulder should be in line
with your left hip. If he forges ahead, stop, make him sit, resume your
walk and repeat the "sit" as needed.
TRAINING TIP
If your dog insists on pulling ahead, work with him
in small counter-clockwise circles. This will encourage him to pay
attention to you as you are walking. Do not let him smell the ground as
you walk, this will encourage him to not pay any attention to you.
Play with him in your backyard and allow him to burn
off some excess energy before you try to take him out for a controlled
walk (somewhat like allowing children recess at school before class).
Another bad habit to allow while walking your dog is eliminating wherever
he chooses. You should only allow him to eliminate in a specific area of
your backyard. By allowing him to just eliminate anywhere, some dogs will
turn this into a "marking" behavior, therefore claiming the
entire neighborhood. Your dog's new job is to mark everywhere he can pick
up the scent of a strange dog. This type of behavior is also known as a
"leader" behavior which is allowing him to have that feeling of
being in charge, and could also lead to "territorial."
Note: You should not rely on the veterinary advice or
information provided on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any
specific situation. Always consult your own veterinarian for specific
advice concerning the medical condition or treatment of your own pet or
animal. The Puppy Place disclaims all warranties and liability related to
the veterinary advice and information provided on this site.
Full disclaimer.
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