Successful Sessions

Heel or Walk

There are many variations of this command and movement with your dog.

There is the heel where you are in conformation at a competition

There is the left heel for walking

There is  right heel for passing oncoming dogs

There is heel between your legs

There is loose leash walking

There is longline walking

Where you want your dog when you walk them is entirely up to you but the best suggestion is as close to you as is comfortable. This sets the dog and yourself up for success. Your dog won't inhale or eat something on the grass that they shouldn’t. You will be able to better protect your dog if all you need to do is step in front of them to protect them from oncoming danger. Your shoulder will remain intact and well. The dog can look up to you for guidance in unfamiliar circumstances. 

The best time to teach your puppy/dog to learn to walk beside you is the day you get them. With a leash on the dog/puppy, hold their kibble at nose height and guide them where you want to go with it. Guiding them to your side is the best start. Do this in a place with low distractions at the beginning. Doing this until you are both comfortable in low distraction is the best practice. Then guide where you want the dog to walk.  When you are ready, take the training to higher distraction areas, like your front yard or sidewalk. I don’t recommend moving out to the big world until your puppy can walk calmly beside you in the distraction of your front yard or sidewalk. The heel or walk comes slowly to some dogs and quickly to other dogs. Have patience with yourself and with your dog and best of all have fun.