How to Teach a Dog to Heel

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Make Sure You Have a  Lot of Treats

Ensure ample treats for heel training. Motivate and reinforce behavior. Avoid frustration. Maintain focus and enjoyment for effective training.

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Short and Frequent  Training

Short, frequent sessions (2-3/day) lasting 5-10 mins help teach dogs to heel. Consistency is key for effective learning.

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Decide on the Heel  Position

Teach dog to heel: Align shoulders with knee for straight walking, prevent pulling or lagging. Control leash tangles, maintain proper control.

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Position Your Dog on Your Non-dominant Side

Teach dog to heel on non-dominant side for future tasks. Right-handed? Keep dog on left.

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Keep Your Dog Close  to a Wall

Stand by wall with small gap for dog to fit through. Keep dog close and in right position. Narrow space ensures snug contact with your leg.

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Use Treats to Circle Your Dog into Position

Teach dog to heel by luring with treats, then using a pointing gesture. Add verbal cue "heel" and reward for correct positioning.

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Add One Step at a Time

Gradually teach your dog to walk by your side. Start with one step, add more, increase distance. Use a leash early on. Practice in low-distraction areas.

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