Here's The Knack To Knowing How To Train A Puppy To Heel
If you do not know how to train a puppy, don’t worry. You can succeed, regardless of where you are at this point. Here are a few things for you to know that will make your task easier.
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.
With arms by your sides and the leash held loosely in your hand, begin the exercise.
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.
The leash should be pulled to one side, not back. A backward pull will cause her to pull back in resistance.
Praise her when she obeys. At first, you can use treats to hold her attention and reward her, but as you progress, only give her the verbal approval without the treat. Alternate between praise and treat so that she never gets to rely on one or the other.
Some puppies are so anxious to get going that they will pull on the leash all the time. When this happens, stop walking and turn in a circle. This will cause her to wonder where you are going. She will be forced to obey you.
Another way to stop her from pulling is to switch speeds. She will be hesitant to race ahead when she thinks you could stop at any moment.
Complete the circle and then make your puppy sit beside you. Wait a few seconds and then complete another circle. Do’nt forget the “sit” command and the praise. Do this for about 5 circles. This exercise should be performed two times a day for best results.
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.
Grab your free copy of 10 Things That Can Cause Bad Dog Behavior. Then, find out exactly how to buy and care for a puppy. Get a free 2-week trial of Sylvia’s Puppy Parenting Course and learn about choosing a dog, stages of development, problem behavior and much more.
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