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

Repeat

Patience is the key to successful dog training. Now it's time to repeat, repeat, repeat. Take your dog out at least twice a day, practicing the heeling method over and over. Each time, reward your dog with treats. Remember to make heeling fun for the dog, so that it will be excited about training with you.

It's best not to train with your dog for more than 15 minutes at a time, since you'll both get tired. If you're taking it on a long walk, implement the heel command for the first 15 minutes or so of your walk. When you've both had enough, release the dog from training mode, praise it lavishly, and continue on your walk at ease. However, don't give it treats while you're walking out of the heel formation. Save the rewards for when you're training, so it doesn't expect yummy treats all of the time.

As time goes on, heeling should become less about practice, and more of a standard. After two weeks, expect the dog to heel all of the time, even in busy public places and for long periods of time. If it falters, go back to the basics: heel, sit, treat, repeat. With time and practice, your dog will get the hang of it, and the two of you will be able to go anywhere.

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