Ashleygrove Gundogs

'My dog was walking to heel quite well as a puppy but

now pulls like a train?'

You have allowed the dog to lead the way at some point

and now he feels it is his right  or job to do so. You will

have to retrace your training steps to put the heel back in

 place. Start by using a fence or wall to give the dog a

clear direction to walk and control the forward pull by

either checking and praising when back in position ‘Heel,

 good dog, good heel’ or by standing still at the slightest

 tug. When the dog is back in place give the praise again

and set off. Remember just because you can get him to

walk for 1 yard at heel does not mean he will be able to

do 2 yards. Try to build it up slowly a little at a time. 4

short sessions with some success are better than a

30minute battle! At some point come off the fence line

and do some really sharp fast turns across the dog (left)

and about turns (left) . Do not wait for the dog at any

point, do not let him sniff, keep the pace up and then

slow right down , then stop and ask for sit and then set

off at pace again. Be unpredictable in pace and direction,

 this makes you interesting to be with, and NEVER

allow the dog to lead the way. Change your habits, if

you normally come out of your garden and turn left, start

 to go right sometimes. Put the dog in the car and drive a

 short way then walk him in a new place. Again remember

it is all on your terms. Short successful sessions carried

out 3 or 4 times a day are the best way to reinstate the heel.