Tag Archives: dog training

Dog Ownership 101 – The Heel Command

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There is a wonderful dog at the ballroom dance studio I attend.  Actually there are three little ones there, but today I’m thinking of Macio. As he is part of the dance community, we all like to take turns feeding him treats, playing with him near the dance floor (no, he’s not supposed to go on that floor), or even occasionally walking him outside for a few minutes.

Last night, I saw a friend trying to walk him in high heels.  He was going one way, while she had a plan to go to her car for more sensible walking shoes.  It was a bit of a tug-o-war, that stressful game we all engage in from time to time, and often (as my character, Daisy, finds out) with the human end of the leash losing out.

I stepped in to help.  Sorry, but I am a bit of a busy body.  I held onto Macio while my friend found her shoes.  He sat. He stayed. She was impressed.  May I puff out my chest a bit here?

Macio the good dog.

Macio may not ballroom dance, but he’s a good dog.

I told my friend what dog books and trainers have told me.  When you want a dog to learn to heel nicely, gentle corrections are needed.  No, I don’t mean a swat or a yell, but the clear repetition of the command “heel” and walk in the opposite direction of where the dog wants to charge off to.

Admittedly, this learning to heel thing is a long-term commitment on your part.  Proph and I need to work on it constantly, and sometimes he still likes to take the lead.  But what better way to spend time with your dog than in positive training together?

Some people go into training like knights prepared for battle.  There are weapons and armor and a tough-guy attitude that frankly, to me, doesn’t work.  Have I lost my temper with Prophet? Yes. Is it appropriate? Absolutely not.

Sometimes, people begin training for heel with a choke chain or pinch collar.  One dog trainer had me use the pinch collar on Prophet and even put it on my arm to prove it doesn’t really do more than grab the dog’s attention.  But Petsmart doesn’t allow either tool, as these are items of negative reinforcement meant to overpower your pet, not grow together as a team.

My favorite dog trainer and friend, Sandy, reminded me that often that dogs don’t really internalize your commands until they are over a year and a half old.  As puppies, you need to remember they have to learn not only how to be a dog, but a second, human language in the time we expect our people babies to learn to walk and say less than 20 words.

So, how to teach your dog the heel command?  Here’s what worked for Prophet and me:

  • Invite your puppy to “training” – I used the word with a happy, excited tone.  Frisky can read your emotions a lot easier than your words. If you’re not in the mood to train with patience and play, DON’T try a session.
  • Keep the learning sessions short – a maximum of 5 minutes to begin. Use a timer if needed.
  • Use a regular 6-foot lead to start.  It’s a whole lot more challenging than those retractible things that let Beanie go off and explore Mount Everest while you chat with the neighbor next door, but this is Beanie’s time, not your neighbor’s.
  • Put Poopsie in a sit at your side.  Stand next to her, and praise her for being your friend.
  • I then like to use a small hand gesture that means “heel” to me, and now it means the same to Prophet.  As I use this gesture, I say “heel.”  You could just as easily say “follow,” “move along,” or “supercalifragilistic-expiallidocious,” but be consistent.  Use only that one word for having Sophie follow at your side.
  • Begin to walk.  It’s that easy.
  • When she trots off in front of you, turn direction and say “heel” again.  The more you turn in unexpected ways, the more attention your dog needs to pay to you.  Give that attention back, and you’ll both be happier.
  • Take longer and longer walks. Start in your driveway, then move down your street.  Eventually you’ll be able to walk around the block without Snickers charging after every squirrel and other dog in the area.

Now, I have to admit that I use a lot of treats to train with.  I’m not as good at free play (brought on by a release word, like “break”) as others, but whatever works for your dog and you is the best way to motivate Spot and add a little more joy to your own life.  It won’t be long before your neighbors are asking how you get your dog to heel so nicely instead of asking who’s walking who here.

I hope these tips help.  What’s your favorite dog training tip?

Meeting Henry

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I never met him, but I heard all about what a great dog Charlie was.  Charlie did all the usual sit, stay, and come commands to perfection.  Charlie was a people dog. Charlie refused to eat before his people, who are my niece and her family.

Charlie left for that big doggie bone in the sky some time ago, so last weekend my sister, Linda, and her husband, Gary, puppy-sat for the new dog, Henry.

Picture of Labra-Doodle, Henry

Henry after swimming

Henry is a labra-doodle and is, at four months, already stealing hearts and shaping up to be at least as good a dog as his predecessor. He sits and comes when called and generally projects happiness with every ounce of attention. He is confident and loving, even to a stranger like me.

Last weekend, Henry learned to swim in the lake, and flopped around with awkward puppy movements that made everyone smile.  He literally wore himself out with the excitement of having so many people around and so many new things to sniff and look at.  He was so tired, he even went to his kennel at night without a fuss.

Picture of a dog and his boy (boy in the kennel, dog watching)

Whose kennel is it, anyway?

He went to his kennel, that is, until one of my great nephews decided the kennel would make a terrific playhouse.  As the toddler climbed in and over the pup, Henry good-naturedly moved out, but kept an eye on the events of his home base carefully.

I think Henry illustrates how important it is to include your dog in your life.  So often we adopt pets only to loose interest in them after a year or so, and then they adopt bad behaviors.  When you keep a dog near you, play with him or her, give them a good, reliable routine, and practice good “parenting” behaviors, you end up with a great dog–a Henry (or in my case, a Prophet).

I think people get lost in the how of exercising the above.  Here are some things I think you can do with your dog at any age:

  • Brush and groom Sunshine – add icing to the cake by talking to her
  • Walk him – both on leash and off.  Understand that new places are exciting and intellectually challenging and that dogs “read” their world through their noses
  • Play hide-the-treats so that Henry explores in rooms and places you want him, and the places you don’t, he’ll lose interest in
  • If you’re tired or don’t feel well, throw unsugared cereal for Maggie to “fetch.” Easy to do, fun to watch
  • Socialize, socialize, socialize!  Take your dog to hardware or other stores where he is welcome.  I have been seeing more and more stores like this. Take Spot to parks and veterinarians (without a vet visit and shots involved) and introduce him to strangers like police officers and children.  If you want a socially acceptable dog, you have to help him or her learn that skill set.

Henry is in good hands, with an extended family and great pet “parents.”  Hope you have fun with your furry friend, and help him or her to be the best dog he can.

Woof!