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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 proper
heel position on its fi rst 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 fl op around like a fi sh 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.
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