Leash training is important if you want to walk your dog without excessive pulling or lunging. Teaching them the proper walking techniques and heel commands when they are a puppy can make walking your dog a much more enjoyable experience for your dog and for yourself.
What is Heeling?
Heeling means that your dog walks closely by your side with their head parallel to your left leg. When you turn, your dog turns with you. When you stop, he automatically sits by your side waiting until you ask him to continue heeling.
The Benefits of Leash Training and Heel Commands
This exercise is extremely useful when you’re in a crowded area and want your dog close to your side instead of at the end of a leash. The idea is to make heeling a command that your dog can do through an entire walk. The ultimate goal is to have your dog able to heel off leash. This will take work and dedication, but the result is having your dog able to walk around without a leash.
It is important that while leash training your dog you do not yank or jerk the leash, or drag your dog along. When your dog begins to pull or lunge, try turning yourself in the other direction and stand very still. Do not move until your dog calms down and comes back to you. This will teach them that pulling and lunging is not good leash behavior.
Contact Michael’s Pack About Leash Training
Once your dog has learned proper leash behavior and understands the walking and heels commands, your dog may even be able to take walks without the leash. By using the commands, your dog will stay close by and walk with you instead of tugging and pulling. Contact the experienced dog trainers at Michael’s Pack today to discuss our dog training services.