Teaching Puppy To Walk On Leash

[chloebear]

I am currently teaching my puppy to walk on leash, I put her into a sit to clip leash on, but what command do I say so she knows it is time to walk, do I just say "walk"?

[Mystiqview]

If you are wanting to do obedience later down the track the command is "Heel"

This should always be given in a cheerful voice as you want the dog to follow.

The heel position is next to your left leg. Some think the dog shoulder parallel with your left leg, others think it is the head level with your left leg. Depends on what breed you have I think too.

Food rewards frequently even every step is great for first teaching a puppy where "heel" is. Once the dog has gotten the idea of heel, you may want to stagger the food rewards a little.

Teach your puppy on an empty stomach if you use food. Also remember if you are using a lot of food to factor this into the overal intake for the dog for the day.

[chloebear]

Thank you so much, I have always wondered what "heel" meant. I shall start using "heel" tomorrow. I am using food rewards but I haven't even considered factoring it into the overal intake, plus I do the bulk of my training after dinner (when kids in bed) - I think I need to rethink my time table dog is training on a full stomach. (good thing she loves food)

[zoezoom]

I suggest "let's go" in a light and happy voice. I wouldn't be introducing the word heel until much later on in training. At puppy stage you don't want him to "heel" but rather to loose lead walk in the vicinity of your left side.

[Erny]

How old is your puppy?

Don't expect too much too quickly.

I teach the dogs I train a "release command". I teach them that they can move out of their commanded position (eg sit; drop; come; heel; etc. etc.) only once they receive their release command from me, or unless I change the command (eg 'sit' to 'heel').

But for a puppy, I keep each exercise short with lots of fun breaks inbetween. I would not be inclined to go from a 'sit' straight into a 'heel' unless both the sit and the heel have been taught separately. And I teach loose lead walking well before I teach heel, which comes later on in training.

With me, for young pups, the majority of this period of development is focussed in socialisation. Small spasmodic sections spent in obedience training. Lots of fun in between.

ETA: As per ZoeZoom, who posted while I was typing.

Edited October 17, 2007 by Erny

[Keshwar]

I actually have two commands - heel for formal heeling and walk or let's walk for loose lead walking. For me loose lead walking is about letting my dog walk on a loose lead 360 degrees around me. My only condition is a loose lead - dogs are not pulling at the end of the lead. I also let my dogs sniff when we are "Walking" however I decide how long the sniff goes on for.

I should add that I do use heel whilst we are walking. Usually when we approach a road or if there are people or cyclists approaching.

hth

Bear.

[Rusky]

informal loose lead walking is a happy 'lets go' heeling is a precision excercise normally taught after loose lead walking. You can say anything, you can say 'cauliflower' but be consistant so your pup understands what you want.

[Mystiqview]

If you are going to to use two commands I would use two sets of collars and leads. IMO the dogs learn very quickly between an informal set of rules and collars/leads to a formal use of collars and leads.

To teach "Lets Go" and "Heel" on the same set of collars and leads can confuse the puppy, as you are asking them to do two separate exercises. This is the last thing you want to happen.

Remember the dog does not know what "heel" means. You have to teach them the action to go with the word.

If your puppy loves food, then it is best done on an empty stomach. They will be more enclined to work for you for food on an empty stomach than if they are full. At this early age, training should be very short and positive with breaks of games. I normally play tug as it is an intetractive game between myself and the dog. Some will say not to ever play tug, but if you control the game, it is not a huge issue. If the dog mouths, accidently "bites" or hits you with their teeth you or become too rough, end the game. There are plenty of tips, rules and how to play tug properly if you do a google search.