Walking Your Dog Doesn't Have to Be a Tug-of-War

Many people find teaching their dog to walk on a loose leash to be an impossible task. It's not as difficult as it seems. All it takes is some patience, practice, and effective techniques.

TEACHING THE HEEL:

1. Ask your dog to sit at your left side.
2. Place the leash in your right hand, holding it so that there is a small amount of slack
3. Starting with your left foot, take one step forward.
4. Your dog's natural inclination should be to follow you.
5. If she doesn't move as you do, use a treat to lure her forward. NEVER yank on the leash!
6. If she moves forward to keep pace with you, use your positive marker word (“YES!) and treat
7. If your dog moves ahead of you, use your negative marker (“UH-OH!”) and begin again.
8. When she is standing at your left side, ask her to sit again.
9. Once your dog reliably moves forward to keep pace with you as you take a single step, add the command (“[Puppy's name], HEEL,” in a cheerful voice.
10. Once your dog responds to the HEEL command reliably, you may begin to increase the distance she is expected to heel, adding a single step at a time. Each time you stop, your dog should sit by your left side.
11. Work up to walking short distances with her in heel position on your left side. Once she's mastered this, begin to add left and right turns as well as about-face moves.
12. Practice every single time your dog is on leash. If she pulls, immediately use your negative marker word (“UH-OH!”), then do a quick about-face and begin the exercise again.

HELPING YOUR DOG TO SUCCEED:

(a) Find the correct collar or harness for your dog. I recommend using flat-buckle collar, martingale collar, or a head collar such as a Halti or Gentle Leader when teaching HEEL. For dogs who cannot wear a collar, try the Weiss Walkie or Easy Walk harness.

(b) Praise your dog while she is behaving appropriately. Never underestimate the power of a well-timed "Good dog!" Reinforcing her good behavior is much more beneficial than scolding her for misbehaving.

(c) Make sure you have your dog's undivided attention. It is unrealistic to expect a dog who is just learning this command to HEEL in high traffic areas with lots of distractions.

(d) Give your dog YOUR undivided attention while you walk. It is much easier to catch the positive moments (and to correct misbehavior) if you're not talking or texting while you walk your dog.

(d) Use whatever it takes to motivate your dog. Most of the dogs I work with respond well to treats held in front of their noses. Some dogs, however, would rather have a squeaky toy or a ball as a reward for good behavior.

(e) Avoid physical punishment. Leash "corrections" or hitting your dog will only damage the relationship between you and your dog. Using items such as prong collars or choke collars is not necessary for all but a very small percentage of dogs.

(f) Have fun. Walking your dog shouldn't be viewed as a chore. It is a time for you to bond, outside in the sunshine and fresh air.