The key to owning a well-trained dog is to start off on the right track when he is puppy. If you have an adult dog, however, who has not been trained or whose manners leave something to be desired, then he needs to be taught the basic areas of obedience: leash manners, recall, sit and stay, down and roll over, road safety, retrieve, social skills, and house manners.
Some people take these things for granted, expecting a dog to know what is required of him, but that isn’t the case. He has to get to know your way of doing things, while you have to get to know him and what makes him tick.
Check out How Long It Takes to Train a Dog.
Leash Manners
This is important: walking a dog should be a pleasurable experience, not one you dread because the dog pulls you along or because he dawdles sniffing every post along the way.
Learning to Heel
1. At first use the word “heel” only when your dog is in the required position so he learns the word by association. Reinforce the command with a treat or praise so he leans this position is a pleasant one in which to remain. Once he has learned where “heel” if you can use the command to return him to that position.
2. Begin with the dog on your left side, with his shoulder against your left leg and the leash held in your right as shown. Say your dog’s name to get his attention, then “heel.”
3. If your dog walks in front if you or pulls, stop. He will no doubt look back in surprise.
4. Get him back into position and get his attention again as in step 1. Begin walking again. Patiently repeat as required, and your pet will soon to get idea.
