2torial #0430:
Learn2 Train Your Dog to Heel (continued)

Continue walking and praise

Continue walking. If your dog continues to walk properly by your side, praise it in an animated voice: "Good dog, Spot! Good Spot! What a good dog!" Constant positive reinforcement is required to encourage the dog.

After three or four more steps, stop abruptly, tug quickly and firmly on the leash, and give the sit command. When your dog is sitting, praise it lavishly for a job well done and give it a treat.

If your dog is pulling at the leash, jumping, and clearly doesn't understand the heeling concept, don't worry. This doesn't mean your dog is attention deficient. It does mean, however, that a lot of repetition is in order. As soon as it begins to misbehave, snap the leash and have the dog sit. At this point, it may be a good idea to give your dog one treat to hold its attention.

When it's focused on you, establish the heeling position and repeat Step 2. Even if there are nearby distractions, the knowledge that you have treats should hold your dog's attention over anything else. If it doesn't, and your dog is constantly pulling at its leash to look at other things, try moving the training to an environment where your dog can completely focus on the task at hand, such as a long hallway, or an empty field.