https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0rd2hypk46yi18rw8lki9/HEELING-STEP-AND-SIT-FOUNDATIONS-2025.docx?rlkey=m29w89z990r4hss99oh6v7hq9&st=avoktosh&dl=0

Objective: To teach your puppy to walk closely on your left side and to sit promptly when you stop walking.

Equipment Needed: Treats for rewards, a leash, and a quiet area with minimal distractions.

Training Steps:

  1. Positioning: Start with your puppy sitting calmly on your left side, both of you facing forward. This is your starting position each time before you begin walking.
  2. First Step: Holding a treat in your left hand near your pant seam (at your puppy’s nose level), give the verbal cue for heeling (e.g., "Rover, heel"). Take one step forward with your left foot. Your puppy should move with you, lured by the treat.
  3. Immediate Sit: After taking one step, stop and bring your puppy into a sit by raising the treat slightly above and behind their head. This encourages them to sit down right next to you. Immediately reward them with the treat and praise.
  4. Repetition for Learning: Repeat this sequence multiple times in a training session. Start with just one step and a sit, and gradually increase the number of steps as your puppy becomes more reliable at following and sitting.
  5. Adding Complexity: Once your puppy is consistently performing a single step and sit, start adding more steps between sits. Always focus on keeping your puppy's attention on you and the treat.
  6. Practice Regularly: Practice this exercise for 5-10 minutes at a time, several times a day. Consistent, short sessions are more effective for maintaining your puppy’s attention and enthusiasm.
  7. Fade the Lure: Gradually reduce your reliance on the treat as a lure. Begin giving the treat after several follows and sits, rather than every time. Eventually, your verbal cue and occasional treats after multiple successful follows and sits will be sufficient.
  8. Real-World Practice: Incorporate these heeling exercises during your regular walks. Ask for a 'heel' and a sit at intervals during your walk, rewarding your puppy for compliance.

Why This Matters:

Teaching your puppy to heel using the "Step and Sit" method provides them with clear expectations and structure during walks. It not only aids in managing your puppy's behavior on the leash but also reinforces their attention and obedience to you amidst distractions. This foundational training sets the stage for more advanced obedience work and ensures that both you and your puppy enjoy walks that are both safe and pleasurable.

By following these steps consistently, you’ll foster a positive learning environment for your puppy, enhancing your bond and ensuring they grow into a well-behaved and obedient adult dog.