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Training TIPS
Teaching Heel
Teaching a dog to heel on leash can be accomplished quickly with a couple simple tools. Your standard leash and collar (a "choke chain" is fine as well), and a six-foot piece of braided polyester rope, at least 1/2" inch in thickness. Braided polyester works best because it is smooth and non-abrasive. The six-foot piece of rope will essentially become your "steering wheel" for controlling the dog's hindquarters.
I take the rope and tie a small fixed loop (such as a bowline knot) at one end. Then, I then run the other end of the rope through the loop to form a sliding loop that I place around the dog's neck like a leash. I finish it off by looping a half-hitch around the dog's belly (If you have a male dog, make sure the rope is around his belly, not his genitals!). Now, I have a mechanism to counter the dog's pulling. If the dog pulls, I simply keep a firm grasp on the end of my "steering line" and the rope tightens around its midsection. Because dogs are very sensitive in their belly, they will immediately stop their pulling. At first, your dog may try to escape his predicament by jumping around and acting like a nut. But, just stand in there and he'll get the idea. After a few minutes your dog will get used to having this steering line on and you can begin to educate.
Walk the dog calmly at your side, giving a gentle tug whenever he starts to pull. As you give the tug, say "heel" so you start to associate the command heel with staying at your side. As you walk, have the dog site every few feet. When you start to walk again, begin by saying "heel". Repeat the command as you walk with the dog at your side and give lots of praise when they do it right. As your dog is sitting a good pat on the chest is also a great way to praise your dog. With some time and patience you'll have a dog that is a pleasure to walk and one that heel at your side on command.
Teaching a dog to heel without a leash should be done only after you
have built up enough control to have the dog sit and stay on command and
educated the dog on the come command.
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