How do I teach my puppy to heel?

Walking a dog on a leash can be an exercise in frustration. So teach your puppy to heel — to walk at your left side without pulling — right from the start.

Your right hand holds the leash. In your left hand is a tasty treat to keep the puppy’s attention as he walks calmly by your side. If the pup starts to pull ahead, stop in your tracks. Step backwards, calling your dog to come. Once the pup is at your side, reward with the treat. Praise and move on. “Good boy, Sparky. Let’s go for a walk!”

Keep the leash short and that treat within sniffing distance. Learning to heel takes lots of repetition at first. You want that pup to know the very best place in his exciting new world is right at your left side.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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