Teaching your dog to walk beside you, known as heeling, can be a rewarding experience for both you and your canine companion. This guide utilizes a positive reinforcement method, often referred to as directed shaping, to help your dog understand and enjoy the heeling position. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to a successful training journey.
Getting Started with Heeling Training
To begin this training, gather a generous amount of small, high-value treats that your dog loves. Start in a spacious indoor environment, such as a large room or a hallway, to minimize distractions.
Begin by calling your dog’s name and then gesturing to the side you wish them to walk on. The left side is traditionally used for heeling in obedience and rally competitions. The moment your dog moves to your side, mark the behavior with a clicker or a verbal cue like “yes,” followed immediately by a treat. Repeat this process a few times.
Once your dog begins to understand, gradually stop calling them and pointing to your side. Instead, allow your dog to come into the heel position willingly. Continue to mark and reward every instance your dog successfully positions themselves by your side. You’ll soon notice your dog anticipating the next step.
As your dog progresses, you’ll need to introduce challenges to help them solidify the behavior. Increase your walking pace, make turns, or even incorporate zig-zag movements. The goal is to create situations where your dog might briefly “lose” the position, encouraging them to actively seek it out and return to your side. This phase is crucial for building their understanding and responsiveness.
As your dog becomes more proficient, begin incorporating eye contact cues, such as “Look” or “Watch Me.” This not only reinforces the heeling behavior but also strengthens your bond and improves overall communication between you and your dog.
Handy Tips for Successful Heeling
- Choosing the “Heel” Side: While heeling is traditionally performed on the left side for obedience and rally competitions, you can choose whichever side works best for you and your dog. Consistency is more important than the specific side.
- Treat Hand Placement: Hold your treat hand at chest level, close to your body. This prevents your dog from simply following the lure of the treat and discourages them from jumping up. It also keeps the treat within easy reach for immediate rewards.
- Rewarding from the Correct Side: When rewarding your dog, use the hand that is on the same side as your dog. This prevents your dog from crossing in front of you to get the treat, which can disrupt the heeling position.
- Consistent Verbal Cues: Always use a clear verbal cue, such as “yes” or a clicker, to mark the correct behavior. This provides immediate feedback to your dog, helping them understand exactly what they did right.
Training your dog can present challenges, especially without expert guidance. The AKC GoodDog! Helpline offers professional support through live telephone consultations. Connect with experienced trainers to address any training or behavioral issues your dog may encounter.