One of the main problems dog owners have is difficulties with their dogs walking on the lead. Dogs learn at a very young age that when they go on walks they pull, so it can take a lot of work to undo this depending on the age of the dog.
A very strong dog pulling on the lead can take away all of the enjoyment from a walk, and can be dangerous for both dog and owner. Similarly to recall, the best way to teach heelwork is in stages where you build up the level of distractions.
Depending on the nature of your problem it can take weeks or even months to train your dog to walk nicely on the lead. In the meantime, it may be useful to get a body harness or a headcollar for your dog to help you to walk your dog and to prevent your dog from injuring itself.
SOME HEELWORK TIPS;
- INTRODUCE A CONSISTENT HEELWORK CUE
- DON’T WALK IF YOUR DOG PULLS YOU
- SET YOUR DOG UP FOR SUCCESS – START IN AN ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENT WHERE THERE ARE NO DISTRACTIONS AND SLOWLY INCREASE DISTRACTIONS
- CONSISTENTLY REWARD YOUR DOG FOR BEING IN THE CORRECT POSITION WITH A REWARD APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR DOG