by L Hurley

Created on: February 15, 2009   Last Updated: March 08, 2009

When a dog walks at heel he walks with his head level with your leg. An untrained dog will pull on the leash and every distraction will have them heading off tugging their owner along behind them.

Training your dog to heel is best done before they are fully grown and have the strength to drag you around. A puppy as young as twelve weeks old can begin to be trained, but it is also relatively easy to train an older dog it just takes more patience and determination.

To begin sit your dog on your left holding the leash in your right hand leaving it slack. The leash should form a U between your hand and your dog's collar.

In an inviting tone say your dog's name, "Heel" then step forward. Your dog should move forward with you, when he does praise him immediately. If he keeps walking calmly with his head beside you continue praising him.

If your dog does not move off with you don't tug on the lead this will only result in him resisting more strongly. You don't want to have to drag him down the street, instead go back to basic training and teach him the come command.

Sooner or later your dog will try to surge ahead of you. When he does grip the leash near the collar with your left hand, command him firmly to "Heel," and jerk him straight back at his shoulder height. Let go immediately and stand still.

Standing still is the secret in heel work. You are showing him that he must walk beside you or he does not get to move at all. If he tries to move forward while you are standing still, stand your ground, command him to "Heel", jerk back and immediately release him.

It is important to release your hold immediately he has moved back as the jerk is a correction not a restraint. If you hold tight with pressure on the leash he will lean into it and a struggle of strength will result.

You may have to do this a few times before he stands still beside you. He only needs to stand still for a few seconds but you must be sure he has obeyed you before you move off again. Say, "Heel" and step forward.

Most dogs pick up this training quite quickly however if your dog is older and has been allowed to drag you around on the end of the leash you may have to correct him twenty times in as many feet.

Quiet persistence will win out and your dog will realise that if he wants to go forward he will only be allowed to do so if he walks at heel.

Your dog of course can pull in directions other than forward. A similar technique can be used to correct these distractions.

Your dog can only be distracted to the

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