Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: How To Train A Puppy To Heel

If you do not know how to train a puppy, don't
worry. You can succeed, regardless of where you
are at this point. Here are a few things for you
to know that will make your task easier.

Before we talk about teaching your puppy to heel,
there are a few things to consider.

The first thing to understand is the difference
between praise and petting. During training, you
want your puppy to remain calm. If you show
excitement when you praise your puppy for doing
well, she will become excited too. When this
happens you might as well stop trying to train
her because she will not be able to focus on your
instructions.

Many dog owners tend to rough up their pets while
telling them what good dogs they are in an
excited voice. This is fine when you have
finished your training for the day, but the
praise that you give after each command is obeyed
should be strictly hands-off. Simply stand
straight and tell your dog, "good boy" or "good
girl" followed by his or her name.

How to train your puppy to heel

The first thing you need is a collar and leash.
Use this to control and correct her.

In a quiet open place, either inside or outside,
position your puppy beside you so that you are
both facing in the same direction. Be sure your
puppy's paws are lined up with your heel. From
this position you're ready to begin teaching her
the heel command.

Keep your arms straight down at your sides with
the leash in one hand but relaxed. You want to
keep your thumb behind the centerline of your leg
about where the seam of a pants leg would be.

Begin walking forward. In all likelihood, your
puppy will dart ahead. Immediately correct her
with a slight pull on the leash saying, "heel"
preceded by her name. Always use her name with
each command so that she comes to relate the two.

The leash should be pulled to one side, not back.
A backward pull will cause her to pull back in
resistance.

Praise her when she obeys. At first, you can use
treats to hold her attention and reward her, but
as you progress, only give her the verbal
approval without the treat. Alternate between
praise and treat so that she never gets to rely
on one or the other.

If she continues to pull forward, walk in a
circle instead of walking straight. This method
will prevent her from becoming distracted by
something ahead of her.

Another way to stop her from pulling is to switch
speeds. She will be hesitant to race ahead when
she thinks you could stop at any moment.

After you have made a complete circle, place your
puppy into a sitting position. After several
seconds begin another circle stopping after each
one and making her sit. Don't forget to give her
the command "sit". Continue for 5 circles and
then start to walk straight. Command her to heel
so that she walks beside you. Practice this twice
a day.

Once you have perfected the "heel" command, you
will probably want to know how to train a puppy
to come to you or perhaps how to shake a paw.
Before long, you will have a well behaved dog
that you can be proud to show off.

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