Who Walks Who?

When you take your dog for a walk, who is walking who?
If you have a small dog you may not feel this is a problem, though the constant tugging can be annoying during a walk. If you have a large dog or a new puppy that will be large it will become a major issue, if you do not have the control you need. Your task is to teach your dog to heel.

Heeling is not the same as going for a walk. Heeling is an obedience exercise in which the dog stays close beside you, paying attention only to you and where you are going. As your puppy grows up, heeling will become the safe way for you to walk your dog through crowds and across streets, ignoring all normal or unusual distractions.

You will want to start your puppy in a safe and quiet area so he can focus. Begin with your puppy on your left side, and step forward left foot first.
The next step is to get the pup's attention as he's along next to you, to make him conscious of what he is doing. Some pups will follow you easily, some will need to hear happy talk. As you move along, you can add an occasional, "Pico, watch me!" Some say to use only one-word commands, and I agree it should be very short, but with puppies they learn what you want, as you bond and grow together.

Start by walking just quickly enough to make the puppy want to keep up with you. If he's not paying attention, stop and begin again. No correction and never yell at them. Try to get a look of recognition from him, then left foot forward. Then it all begins with just one step in the right direction, followed by verbal praise. A treat that smells good may get him started. They can only focus for so long, and each dog is different, so if a young pup's attention is totally elsewhere, it may be time for the lesson to end. Maybe time for play. Which is wonderful for both of you. Always try to end your lesson on a good note. Be realistic in what you expect of a puppy. A few steps on command earn a reward. A few more steps earn a reward. A week later Pico is heeling nicely so praise him and quit practicing immediately! Practice can be just a walk down the hall, you may see he is attentive to you and trying to please, this is ideal, even thought it is not a planned practice time.

Next step is to try this exercise in an enclosed area, void of distractions, without him on a leash. Again this can be in your own yard or even in your home from room to room. I do not consider it a wise move, to go in public without your dog on a leash. This is for their own safety and being courteous. Best Wishes and Happy Tails!