Mission Possible: To train your dog to accompany you on walks without his ever straining the lead, hanging the lead up on a street post or getting tangled up with your legs. Stick with our advice and you can turn a dog rocket into a perfect walking companion in under two weeks.

An untrained dog doesn’t know that he can take you off your feet just by lunging ahead while on a dog lead. He doesn’t understand that you might drop your groceries if he walks across your path without warning, or that he turns into a four-legged boat anchor when he suddenly stops while you keep walking. To train a willful dog (or a lusty puppy) to walk well with you, you have to make him understand that he should occupy a certain position next to you, on command, and that he should maintain that position no matter where and how quickly you walk.


Your main training tools will be a high-quality dog lead, a collar and two voice commands. A choke collar is recommended, especially for big dogs, and especially if you are not very strong, since it will help your dog pay attention to even moderate tugs on the lead. Speaking of leads, attaching one to your dog’s collar is much easier if your dog also knows the “come” and “sit” commands.

Your two verbal commands will be “Heel” and “Good boy” (or “Good girl”). “Heel” tells your dog to move into the proper position by your side. “Good boy” tells him when he is in the right position. This positive reinforcement is very important, since it helps your dog to figure out what you want. Otherwise, just the “Heel” command can confuse him and slow down your training process. Food treats may work, but we suggest that you use them sparingly.

Starting out by attaching the lead, and holding it on the side you want your dog to walk on (you should train your dog to walk on one side of you only. Most people prefer the left side, to keep the dog between them and oncoming pedestrians). Then, say “Heel” in a firm voice, give the lead a moderate tug and start walking. The command and the tug let your dog know that it is time to move with you.

As you continue walking, call out “heel” and give a firm tug on the lead whenever your dog leaves the desired position, whether he stops, runs ahead or changes direction or tries to cross to the other side of you. You may have to give several tugs to get your dog moving, steer him or slow him down. Call out “heel” with each tug, and don’t give up before you get your way or the lesson will confuse your dog.

Sessions should be short - 10-15 minutes at a time, with two sessions per day to keep your dog’s memory fresh. In a week or two your dog should be fully trained to walk with you.

As with training other behaviors, it is important to keep your training sessions focused, and to keep your instructions consistent. Watch out for the impulse to reward with a “Good boy” before your dog is really doing what you want him to. And make sure to use the “Heel” command each time – explanations and pleading will only mystify him.

Happy walkies!