Heel is a common dog training command and one of the first commands that many dogs learn. Not only is this command one of the easier basic obedience skills for your dog, but it can also be important for their safety. Our article gives you an overview of the meaning of heel in dog training and the basic steps to teaching your dog this essential command.
Dog Heeling: What Does Heel Mean in Dog Training
In general, the heel command means that your dog needs to return to your side and stay there. If you are standing still or sitting, the dog will know to return to your side and sit down. If you use the heel command while moving, your dog will walk directly at your heel and keep pace with you. Your dog’s front legs should be in line with your legs, though some people may prefer their dog to be slightly ahead or slightly behind this general benchmark.
When it comes to keeping your dog mentally healthy, the heel command can be very important. Walking in a heel position or listening to the heel command and returning to your side provides a great amount of mental stimulation for a dog. It also requires your dog to be focused and resist the urge to walk wherever they want and sniff everything they come across. Practicing heel training is a great way to keep your dog mentally engaged in between periods of exercise where they can do what they please safely.
Should I Teach My Dog Heel?
Teaching your dog to heel is a valuable command. When your dog knows how to heel, they can return to your side and sit still at a command; if you use the heel command while walking, they will walk directly at your heel. The heel command allows you to maintain control over your dog and recall them as necessary. It also lets you keep your dog out of dangerous situations and ensure that you can quickly get them to return to your side.
Steps to Help Your Dog Learn the Heel Command
Teaching your dog the heel command doesn’t need to be a confusing process for either you or your dog. Below, we give you the general steps you need to know to teach this command.
- Warm your dog up to the idea of training by starting with basic sit and stay commands; use treats to keep your dog’s attention and focus.
- Start heel training by calling your dog to your side and telling them to sit; give them a treat and praise when they perform the task correctly.
- After your dog can complete a stationary heel consistently, start moving. Take one step forward at a time and say the word “heel” often, giving your dog a treat when they move with you.
- Keep practicing until your dog can complete a stationary heel or a moving heel at your side.
Keep in mind that every dog is different and learns differently – make sure to always work at your dog’s pace, utilize positive reinforcement, and ensure your dog is comfortable during and after training.
What Does Heel Mean in Dog Training: Do I Need Professional Help??
It’s unlikely that you will need to consult a professional for help teaching your dog to heel. Most of the time, dogs pick up this command easily with consistent training and fun encouragement like praise, their favorite toys, or training treats. That being said, if your dog is displaying significant behavioral issues or if they are responding poorly to your training attempts, you may need to consult a professional. A professional can help you get to the bottom of your dog’s training style and provide you with insight into how to teach them to heel, in addition to other tricks and obedience manners.
Teaching Your Dog New Tricks
When it comes to dog training, this process is usually helped by keeping a positive attitude, maintaining consistency, and bringing lots of patience. You can teach old dogs and new dogs any type of trick as long as you approach it with the right method and fun rewards to keep your dog engaged. Heel is one of the best commands your dog can learn, as it helps them return to your side or stay at your side, ensuring their safety and whereabouts.
If you need any help teaching your dog new tricks like heel or dealing with behavioral issues that may be interrupting training, you can reach out to a professional dog trainer in your area or look online for dog training advice.
