Heel on Left
In this lesson you will learn how to keep your dog in a heel position on your left side. Your dog will stay on one side instead of criss-crossing back and forth in front or in back of you.
In daily use, you can teach them how to be on your left or right, but competition obedience requires a heel to be on your left side.
In this lesson, you will also teach your dog to automatically sit when you stop. This is important as you approach streets, approach other dogs and people, or just need to stop and regroup.
Process
Forward movement
Start with your dog on leash on the side you prefer.
Place most of the leash is in the opposite hand. Your hand closest to the dog holds the leash about 12” from the collar and a treat.
Get your dog’s attention with “Watch Me” and look down at your dog.
Use your command, step out on the foot closest to the dog, and move forward. Lure your dog with the treat in your hand.
Take 3-4 steps, marking the forward movement when the dog is in the correct position near your knee with a mark word or clicker, praise, and reward.
Stop and sit.
As you prepare to stop bring the treat over your dog’s head, as in the Sit lesson and say Sit.
Say Sit every time until it becomes automatic. When your dog is doing it on his/her own, you no longer need to say Sit.
Suggested Command Words:
| Heel | Let’s Go | With me | Be Close |
Tips
- If he balks or hesitates, move the treat in front of his nose to move him forward. Praise all forward movement even if it’s 8 inches.