Stephanie St Julian Webboard User Reg: 10-16-2007
Posts: 801
Loc: Galveston, TX
Offline
I got a puppy 2 days ago as everyone knows.
Well she is 3 months today and what I was wondering was.
Can you start the heel comand I have the DVD but my DVD player broke.
So we are getting a new one soon.
Anyways she is walking good like not pulling.
before coming home she was never on leash. So I would say she is doing good.
So should I start heel or is it to soon.
You can use a treat to keep her in the heel position for short periods on your walks. When she is in the right spot then use the heel command so she associates the position with the word. Just don't ask her to stay in heel for too long without allowing some play/casual time on walks at this age.
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006
Posts: 2665
Loc: AZ
Offline
I wouldn't start the heel command yet. Usually the first command taught a pup is the sit. Baby steps for baby dogs. It's wonderful she's walking well with you, but I wouldn't translate that into a command, not yet.
I don't think 3 monthes is too young to start a little introduction to obedience. When she is walking beside you naturally (without any direction from you), say Heel and then Good Girl. When she naturally goes into a sit, when her butt is almost to the floor, say Sit and then Good Girl. This is a good way to start the association process and when you get into actually training, it should be much easier.
Stephanie below are four training videos of my heeling work with a GSD puppy, that may be of help. I am not offering them as a "how to" but only as a guide. However if you like the results you might try some of what I did.
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006
Posts: 2665
Loc: AZ
Offline
I don't especially like pushing a pup of 3 months. It's not that they can't learn, it's more a matter of what they should learn at that age. I don't think the heel is one of those things. I lean more toward letting the puppy play and romp and bond, let him be his age.
I agree Sandy but I don't believe that 5 minutes of heeling work twice a day done in the manner shown in those videos is "pushing" the pup, or will compromise that dog in any way. It is obvious, from the videos, the dog is having as much fun as he would romping in my back yard as he has for those approximate 5 minutes my undivided attention and treats and praise. Moreover this type of training goes a long way in correctly establishing the bond between dog and handler.
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006
Posts: 2665
Loc: AZ
Offline
Norman, did you familiarize the pup with come and/or sit first? I think those things would be more important at 3 months old (Stephanie's puppy just turned 3 months today) than the heel, especially for a pet dog.
I also think, and this probably doesn't apply to Stephanie, that a lot of people think of training and corrections in the same sentence. For a 3 month old puppy, I'm sure you agree that should never happen. That would be my biggest concern with this, since other people read these threads who never post and may not ask the question about corrections on a baby dog.
Stephanie St Julian Webboard User Reg: 10-16-2007
Posts: 801
Loc: Galveston, TX
Offline
I never correct a 3 month old much less a six month old.
What I was wonder about really was can I put that in her training she is behind with me I just got her.
phoenix and jewel had sit and lay down bye now.
she is very smart if i pull the treat bag out she sits right then after only 2 days.
So i just want her to learn not to pull on the leash.
But I will not start heeling just yet
Thanks for the help
I agree Sandy that IMO corrections shouldn't play a part in shaping an obedience behavior. I don't even use the term obedience and instead use structured play. Before that first video I started focus training and did not progress to moving with the dog until the pup could focus on me for 30 seconds without him moving. Then I started sit in front, down with no time frame, then heeling. Once the dog learns focus then all he is doing is continuing to focus while I am moving and he is heeling in perfect position. I use the food as a leash and if you notice in the first video I used no leash and in the other two I used a light piece of yellow plastic line and at no time was there a need for a correction. In the last video I did begin a slight leash correction but it was only to regain focus.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Heeling in puppys
Top
Re: Heeling in puppys
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
