Heeling
Teaching a Shih Tzu to Heel
Overview
Heeling is when your dog walks to your immediate left, no further past your foot as it extends forward. It also means that your dog will go at your pace.
When your Shih Tzu is fully trained to heel to you, your dog will properly follow along whether you are walking, jogging, or suddenly stop. A dog that heels always walks beside you and does not run ahead or stop to investigate things along the way.
There will be plenty of times that you do not mind when your Shih Tzu takes his time to explore the world. However, when out on walks in the heeling position, you are in charge and your Shih Tzu is right in step with you.
If you have trouble walking your puppy or dog, this sort of thing may seem like it'd take a miracle. However, when you prep for this and you follow the training guidelines, it's actually not that difficult.
As with any sort of training, the effort that you put into it will affect your level of success. The Shih Tzu is a breed that aims to please, so taking the time to teach your Shih Tzu to heel is well worth it. As long as you incorporate this into your daily walks going forward, you will forever have a well-trained dog. And, importantly, walks will be enjoyable.
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Age to Begin Heeling Lessons
Once your puppy has had all of his/her puppy shots, you can then head out for walks. You'll want to check with your veterinarian; however, this is usually by the 12 to 16-week mark.
Prep: Items to Have on Hand
For this training, there are a few things that you'll want to have in place.
1. A short 6-foot leash or a retractable leash.
Since your Shih Tzu will always be right by your side, there's no reason to have your dog on a long leash. Of the two options, we recommend the short leash, so that your not tempted to give up on this training, should you hit a 'speed bump' along the way.
2. A harness for your Shih Tzu.
A harness, not a collar, is always recommended for this breed. However, this is particularly important when teaching a dog to heel.
Part of the training will involve walking regardless of whether your dog is perfectly following along. If you try to do this while he's wearing a collar, it can cause neck injury. However, a harness displaces pressure across the chest, back, and shoulders, which can handle pressure from the leash much better.
If you do not yet have a harness for your puppy or dog, you may want to consider the Puppia Harness Soft B Vest
. This is adjustable via a Velcro flap on the back, plus a buckle, it's a very comfortable soft 'vest', it's super easy to put on and off, and comes in 13 different colors. It starts at size extra-small, so it's for Shih Tzu of all ages and sizes.
. This is adjustable via a Velcro flap on the back, plus a buckle, it's a very comfortable soft 'vest', it's super easy to put on and off, and comes in 13 different colors. It starts at size extra-small, so it's for Shih Tzu of all ages and sizes. 3. Training treats.
As with any sort of training, reward is a huge element. While praise is important as well, the right treat gives a dog a reason to keep trying and helps him feel that the hard work is worth it. After all, each time you head out to train your Shih Tzu to heel, your dog becomes a student. And, he'll keep wanting to go to 'school' if he's motivated to do so.
In addition, while 'good dog' gets across the message of a job well done, you may say this sort of thing to your Shih Tzu quite often; So, the right treat sends a very strong signal that cannot be misinterpreted in any way.
The training treats should be small (these are not a snack; but rather a quick burst of flavor), small (these should not cause a dog to feel full), moist (these work better than dry for training), and something that your Shih Tzu does not receive at any rate (it should be reserved just for heeling).
If you are looking for a great training treat, you may want to consider Wellness Puppy Bites Natural Grain-Free Training Treats
. These fit all of the above criteria, are all-natural, have no chemical preservatives or by-products, and are made in the USA.
. These fit all of the above criteria, are all-natural, have no chemical preservatives or by-products, and are made in the USA. When you head out to work on heeling, have some treats in a zipped sandwich bag in your pocket.
4. Your Shih Tzu should know the 'Sit' command.
If you want to do things 'by the book', this is the start position. So, while you can start training for heeling without this, you may want to work on this basic command if your puppy or dog does not yet know it.
How to Hold the Leash
You will hold the handle of the leash in your right hand, allow the leash to cross past your body, and then grip it near your left hip. This will allow you complete control to keep your dog in proper position. And, the harness, as discussed, will allow you to move your dog along, even if he resists walking.
Instructions for Training Your Shih Tzu to Heel
Once you have your Shih Tzu on a harness and short leash and you have treats in your pocket, you will now begin. Have your dog on your left side, leash handle in your right hand, leash crossed over the front of your body, and the leash gripped with your left hand, near your left hip.
1)
Command a ‘Sit’. This is the starting position.
2)
Slap your left hip two quick times, give a firm ‘Heel’ command and start walking.
3)
Abide by the following guidelines:
Any time that your dog tries to walk ahead of you, stand in place and do not move. Using a harness, this will not injure or hurt your dog. Your Shih Tzu may try several times to keep walking. Do not pull on the leash. Simply remain standing.
While you are remaining in one spot, essentially glued into place, any time that your dog comes very close to you, talk to them and give a gentle pat. This shows that staying near you means that the leash will not frustrate them.
As soon as your dog stops trying to walk ahead by themselves and is remaining near you, give the leash a quick, light tug and continue walking.
Any time that your dog walks beside you, keep repeating the command word of “Heel” in a happy yet firm tone of voice so that they connect their actions with the command word.
Furthermore, offer words of praise as you go along, first in the form of “Good Heel” to reinforce their actions and then with “Good Boy” or “Good Girl”. This said, do not stop to pet your dog; just keep going.
As you walk, change your pace; take turns walking slower and then faster. Also, do not just walk in a straight line; most dogs stay more focused if the walk is a fun challenge. You can help make this entertaining by winding around telephone poles, taking turns, and more.
The first time that you take a turn and your dog does not, they will quickly realize that they must heel to you. You will make that turn and your dog (on harness and short leash) will have no choice but to follow along.
Of course, be very careful, as accidentally stepping on your dog can cause injuries. But, walk confidently and show your Shih Tzu that you are in control. If they try to go another way, walk as if you do not notice that they are not perfectly following along. The harness will not injure the neck and they will catch up to you as long as you do not increase speed.
Every 5 full minutes that your Shih Tzu is heeling to you, palm a training treat. Slow down, but do not stop, and allow them to take it from your open hand. Say 'Good, Heel' when they take the treat, and keep going.
4) As you are nearing your front door at the end of the walk, stop walking and command a ‘sit’. This is the finishing position. Give praise and a final training treat. Your last command will be an "Okay” as you let your dog free of the strict heeling positioning to signal that they do not need to obey the heel any longer.