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After sit and stay obedience, the next step is making sure the dog is steady to heel.
What is more frustrating than a dog which keeps walking ahead. Top gundog trainer, Tom
West, explains how he goes about it.
Today we stand with a young dog. The way it all starts is on the lead. The only contact
you have got to start with is the lead. Once you have got the dog and you are comfortable
the dog is not pulling you, the dog is listening to you and keen on following with you then
your next stage is to drop the lead. I usually drop it over the dog's back so that it is
not dragging on the floor and then the only contact you are keeping the dog at your heel
is with your voice. When you are confident with that you take the dog off the lead and
the dog should be staying with you if it is not, back to square one. Put it back on the
lead and you reinforce it. Don't forget the praise. We all like a bit of praise. It is
very important. When the dog is doing what it is told, you praise it. When it is not,
your voice is firmer. It is all in the tone of the voice and your body language.
Tom runs West Halagun Dogs near Perth in Scotland. Visit www.westhalagundogs.co.uk This series
on gundog training tips is brought to you by Skinners Petfood. Maker of the Field and
Trial range of gundog feeds. Visit www.skinnerspetfoods.co.uk