subject: Dog Training Dog Leash Training Tips [print this page] Outdoor activities are a delight when your dog walks obediently by your side. It is often easiest to train a puppy to walk to heel off the lead at first, since it will enjoy human companionship and will usually be willing to follow its owner. Since most puppies also follow the scent of food snacks, it is useful to carry treats throughout training, so you can reward obedience.Enjoyable trainingIf the puppy is not interested in a certain food reward, try using another, or switch to a favorite squeaky toy. Always keep training sessions short, no more than a few minutes at a time, and end them with a period of enjoyable play.Using ToysIf your puppy doesn't respond to food lures, try drawing its attention with a favorite toy. Using a longline on the puppy should help ensure it's compliance to your commands.Dog Leash Training TipsWalking in a straight line, with the puppy following the scent of the food reward in your right hand, give the command "Heel". Keep your left hand low, ready to grasp the puppy's collar.Bending your knees and holding the food near to the puppy's nose, make a right turn, repeating the "Heel" command. The puppy must speed up in order to walk around you.To turn left, use your left hand to guide the puppy by the collar, and issue the command "Steady". Hold the treat low down and move your right hand to the left. The puppy should follow.If, for any reason, the puppy's becomes distracted and its attention starts to wander, put your left hand under its collar, gently lure it back to the correct heel position, and continue with the exercise.Give the command "Wait" and kneel to the puppy's right side. Hold the snack low to discourage jumping. Put your left hand, palm down, underneath the puppy's body to prevent it from moving.
