11
SPORTDOG.COM
THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMAND: HERE
“Here” is the most important command your dog will ever learn. It is an escape from almost any
trouble. “Here” tells your dog to come to you immediately and without deviation. This command is very
easy for your dog to learn if you will speak its language. Most dogs will make a beeline to any person
who kneels down and opens up their arms. In this position you are using postural language to welcome
your dog. While you are kneeling and your dog is running to you, add the verbal command “Here.”
Shower your dog with positive verbal rewards while stroking its shoulder.
Let’s take a second again and discuss how much positive reward to give a dog when it follows your
commands. Do you remember how your dog communicates to you that it understands and accepts your
actions? When your dog swallows, it says, “I understand.” So, back off the positive rewards when your
dog says it understands and accepts your thank you by swallowing. Continually stroking your dog’s
shoulder and praising it will eventually lessen the sincerity of your reward and that could be a huge
mistake. Training your dog to come to you with the “Here” command is done along with the postural
position of kneeling and opening up your arms.
The leash (or lead) should be used in training your dog on the command “Here” as soon as it is
comfortable with the leash. Give the command “Here” and apply a slight tug on the leash. Be sure to
release the leash pressure the instant the dog starts coming toward you. Many people try to maintain
leash pressure until the dog is at their side. While this works, it can be too much pressure and your dog
does not get the reward of turning the pressure off while it is coming to you. If your dog hesitates or
fails to come directly to you, give another tug with the lead and repeat “Here.” When your dog arrives
at your side, stroke its shoulder until it gives you a swallow response. Your dog has learned what you
want and now it is time to condition the response with repetition.
A POSITIONAL COMMAND: HEEL
“Heel” is a positional command that instructs your dog to assume a position beside your leg whether
you are walking, standing, running, or riding a horse. People seek professional help in teaching their
dog to heel properly more than for any other command. These folks always explain that their puppy
is a great dog but it will not walk on its leash. This means the dog feels like it is alpha and should lead
its owner where it pleases. Every dog will learn the proper heel position on its first day of training with
proper leash usage. Place the leash in its proper position behind your dog’s ears and begin walking
forward. If your dog attempts to lead you by moving ahead, simply change direction. The leash will
tighten around its neck and it will follow your new direction. It is imperative that no leash pressure
be present when your dog’s head is beside your knee. It will learn this position is safe and causes no
discomfort through repetition. Add the verbal command “Heel” after the dog assumes the correct
position and repeat “Heel” each time its head is beside your knee.
We have discussed how to correct your dog if it attempts to lead you, but what should you do if it tries
to lag behind or flop around like a fish instead of following your lead? Keep moving forward and allow
the leash to do its job. The important point is for you not to stop moving. If you stop walking to check
on your dog or coax it forward, the leash will relax and its pressure will stop. Your dog must learn that
the only way the pressure around its neck will disappear is by assuming the correct “Heel” position.
With repetition, this position will become a comfort zone.
