Dog Obedience Training

One of the basics of dog obedience training is to teach your dog to stand at heel.

Your dog obedience lessons are heel, sit, stay, lying down and coming when called. He must also learn to stand at heel.

Instructions to Stand at Heel

Roll the lead into a ball and hold it in your right hand. Now place your hand that holds the lead in front of your dog's face and reach over his back with your left hand so you can rub his stomach. Tell him "Stand!" and pull the lead forward.

Your dog will learn to stand at heel instead of sitting if, while walking, you place your right hand in front of his face and tell him "Stand!" At the same time, scratch his back with your left hand and give him lots of praise.

If he starts walking ahead, bump his nose with the hand that holds the lead. After you bump him, pat him on the nose and tell him he is a good dog so his feelings will not be hurt.

Train your small dog by looping the handle of the lead under his stomach. Tell him "Stand!" and if he tries to sit, lift him very gently to a standing position.

To keep your dog standing, place your left hand in front of his muzzle. Tell him "Stay!" and step forward on your right foot, just as you did when you left your dog sitting.

When you turn to face him, turn your head also. If your dog creeps toward you, a cuff under his chin will remind him you said "Stay!". When sitting is your problem, tap him lightly under his stomach.

Never pull your dog's tail or his skin to make him stand! Lift him gently by tickling his stomach.

With plenty of  practice, your dog will learn to stand without moving away, even when someone touches him.

Remember to make training these new tricks fun. Keep the training sessions short, its better to do 10 minutes every day than an hour once a week

Reward good behaviour with treats and praise. Your dog will love to spend time with you and will be eager to please you with his new tricks.

Return to Lead or Muzzle