how in the world do you teach "Heal"

[Jeni D]

I am having a hard time getting Dudley to learn "heal." I've read about it in a zillion books, but he's not quite grasping it. What did you all do to teach this?

[Chip's Mom]

Well what I did with Chip was held a treat up in front of his nose and said heel or hold something really good like steak or chicken in your left hand and say heel and start walking - after he heeled a short distance, I would give him his treat. Chip will do anything for cookies.

[Dillydoodle]

I basically did the same thing as Bonnie. Go slow at first and treat often, then start moving a little faster and treating a little less.. If he goes ahead immediately stop, no treat, and start again, get him in a start position and ask him to heel again... if he drags behind at all, stop and then start again... he will get it , it takes time... and only have him heel for short distances... in the begining i was doing two steps, if he stayed with me then he got a good treat.

Emilie

[Jespah]

Hey Jeni,

Jem and I have just learned this at school. They have us doing it using a wall as guidance so that the dog understands it's about the distance away from you, the handler. So, with Dudley on your left, start with him standing, give the command "heal" then walk the length of the wall keeping him as close to it as you can. Repitition and and lots of practice before you do it without the wall. Each time you stop ask him to sit then reward him and start again. You can challenge him and go past open doors and halls between walls.

I was surprised at how fast Jemma figured out what the idea was. It's worth a try!

Deb

[KatC]

And always with the Heel Command - step off with your left foot.

[Jeni D]

Just out of curiosity...why do you start off with your left foot?

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Jeni D

Just out of curiosity...why do you start off with your left foot?

It's a body language cue for the dog. If you always start walking with the left foot the dog knows to "heel" and go with you. If teach that when you leave the dog and say "stay" and step off with your right foot they must not move.

It's just and extra cue for the dog to know to stay or go with you. Sometimes it helps as dogs are so good at reading body language.

Peggy

[CorgiMum]

TEST: I have posted in the topic three times and been bumped off...so am just checking before I retype my reply again.

[CorgiMum]

deleted...

[CorgiMum]

That post took me 7 tries!

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by CorgiMum

TEST: I have posted in the topic three times and been bumped off...so am just checking before I retype my reply again.

So you're saying you're not really here?

Peggy

[CorgiMum]

From time to time.

But I'm here now Peggy.

I'm still getting bumped when I try to post using "Go Advanced" though, so will need to keep to Quick posts, so will not be able to show my emotions.*wink*

[Peggy]