Tuesday Training Byte: The basics required for heeling on a loose leash

One of the most common issues people contact me about regarding their dog is pulling on the leash. I first teach the watch me cue in the house (minimal distractions) by holding a treat up by my cheek ad giving the "watch me" cue in an upbeat voice. As soon as my dog makes eye contact, he gets the treat. Next, again in the house and off leash, I will walk around in the living room and encourage my dog to follow me at my left side. I might say, "Piper, this way!" and as my dog follows a bit, I mark the behavior with "Yes" followed by a treat. I just weave all over the living room and give out lots of treats with my dog staying by my left side. Next, I put on the collar and leash and try the same thing. The session will only be 5 minutes max, so don't overdo it. Next I ask for my dog to heel for four steps in a straight line with no pressure on the leash. After the four steps, mark the good behavior and treat. Be sure to change speed and direction often and keep it short. On day three, leash the dog and go outside after a warmup in your living room. Give the dog some slack on the leash and if he pulls, immediately do an about turn to the left. Your dog will be in your way so just walk lightly/gently into him while you ask him to move and as soon as he is back at your left side and looking at you mark the behavior with a yes, and give him a treat. Now try to proceed forward in a straight line for five steps. If he looks away or starts to sniff the ground, say "Watch me!" and turn around to your right so your dog catches up to the heeling position again. Then stop, mark the behavior and treat. Be sure that your dog is looking at you when you give the heel command right before you step off. Say your dog's name followed by heel in an upbeat voice, then step forward with your left foot. Your training session will be short and look a bit silly, stopping, starting and changing directions every few steps, but this will get your dog focused on you. If your dog made great progress in the house, but is pulling and ignoring you outside, just practice the watch me and walking two steps then change direction before stopping. Just be sure to end on a positive note and give your dog lavish praise, then he'll be more happy for the next training session. Happy training!