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Dog Training Workshop, and an element of the Dog Science Network
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Commanding Your Dog to Heel
Walking your dog on command in the Heel position is actually a four step process:
- For reasons having to do with practicality more than anything else, it is customary to begin the sequence of walking a dog at Heel by commanding the animal to Come to you.
- Next, command your dog to Heel.
- With your dog now sitting by your left side, you should once again issue the command to Heel, just an instant before you begin walking, by stepping forward with your left foot first.
- When you stop walking.
After your dog has obeyed your command to Come, he will, then, be seated a few feet away, facing you.
Your dog will respond to your first command to Heel by rising to his feet, and circling around behind you in a clockwise motion, so that he will end up sitting close by you left side, facing the same direction as you.
Your dog will respond by rising to his feet, and walking close by your side for as long as you walk, always keeping his nose aligned with the plumb line of the left side of your body.
When you stop walking, your dog should immediately stop, sit down next to you, and remain seated until he receives further instructions.