subject: Heel Dog Command... Learn The Easy Way! [print this page] What's the heel dog command? Well, when using the heel dog command, your want the leash to be like your dogs life-line. It's not just for his protection, but a good communication tool for you and him, especially when your taking a walk together. The leash is not for restraining your dog, it's just a way to keep the dog close to you. If you encourage the dog while he's learning the heel dog command, he will start to look forward to seeing the leash, he'll know it's walk time.
The heel dog command isn't very hard to understand, especially if your dog already knows how to come to you. He must be on a leash in order for the heel dog command to work properly. You should enforce the command, if necessary, use a treat to lure him in and don't pull him. By having him walk by your left side, it's more of a formal method of obedience training, but typically the side doesn't matter. Start by keeping a small treat in your left hand. This way he knows that by staying close to you, he'll get rewarded.
When using the heel dog command, you want to treat frequently as you walk. This will ensure that the dog won't run off. Call him gently when your about two steps from changing direction then say heel when you actually turn. If he isn't going in the same direction as you, then all you have to do is just change your direction 180 degrees and if he heels, treat him. He'll soon understand that it's good to stay by your side. There's a free dog training video lesson in the link I included below, it maybe of more help to you, but it's definitely worth checking out.
