Heelin on command
The command “heel” means that the german shepherd dog should walk neatly on your left side withou bothering you. He should never pull on the leash, stay behind, or wander off the side, but should never pull awlays follow you with his shoulder at knee height. His speed should be adapted to yours and not the other way around. He looks up at you regulary to keep pace with you. The use of a properly attached choke chain is practically indispensable. Let the chain hang slightly and hold it with two hands at chest height. Let the german shepherd dog sit down on your left, call his name to get his attention, and then give the command “heel”. Then walk forward in a stright line. If your german shepherd dog stays behind, lure him with friendly words or delicious treats and reward him when he walks next to you again. If he walks too far forward or to the side, tug on the leash to hold his attention and reward him forthwith if he walks beside you again, looking up at you as he should. A bag filled with treats can serve as support if your dog respond to this. When the german shepherd dog is fimilar with the command, you can expand the exercise by turning right and left and stopping abruptly in between, at which point the dog must sit immediately. The principle is that the dog pays attention to you and not the other way around. 
If the dog accidentally steps on your toes it is not your fault – your dog should have paid more attention. He should know you so well and pay such good attention thet the leash, regardlessof your movement or speed or speed, always hangs loose and never right. You can tell very easily if your dog understands and likes the exercise, because in that case he will follow you happily, wagging his tail and looking up at you.
With this exercise as well, do not ask too much at once from your german shepherd dog. Let him “free” in good time, and practice short distances. You cannot teach a pup to walk to heel but can prepare him by letting him walk next to you on a leash, while showing him treats which of course you ultimately give to him.
Author: Esther Verhoef – The German Shepherd Dog
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include this code:
pitbull pitbulls pitbull dog
