How to Train Heel & Loose Leash Walking: Complete Leash Training Guide

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

If you've enjoyed this video please like, comment & share 🙂 It really helps! 🙋‍♀️COMPLETE DOG TRAINING SOLUTIONS: •❓🤨 STRUGGLING WITH LEASH TRAINING? 👇 ✅ 6 Weeks to Dream Walks: Step-By-Step Leash Training Program: e37240-61.myshopify.com/products/6-weeks-to-dream-walks-step-by-step-leash-training-program •❓🐿️ STRUGGLING WITH YOUR DOG CHASING ANIMALS (indoors or outdoors)?👇 ✅ Dog Prey Drive: How to STOP Animal Chasing: e37240-61.myshopify.com/products/dog-prey-drive-how-to-stop-animal-chasing-with-force-free-methods ►👀 WATCH NEXT: ✔️ How to train your dog Leave It: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q57XYZ18brJ7m6s ✔️ How to train your dog to sit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnXCYoSAmcqbl80 ✔️ How to load a marker word: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2WaZ6Ztjqapndk ✔️ How to train your dog Drop: happyhoundsdogtraining.ca/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-drop-it/ ✔️ Choosing a high value treat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3TCaH6jfMRnms0 ► 🗣️ STAY CONNECTED: • Instagram (my most active platform): instagram.com/happyhounds_dogtraining/ • Facebook: facebook.com/HappyHoundsDogTraining.ca • Blog: happyhoundsdogtraining.ca/blog/ • Email list: view.flodesk.com/pages/61898eeb3a0e5bcf6f5411ec ►❤️ FAVOURITE DOG GEAR: ➡️ *ALL* my favourite dog items & discount codes: happyhoundsdogtraining.ca/shop 🧸 Amazing faux & real fur toys: www.tug-e-nuff.co.uk/?ref=happyhoundsdogtraining 🐕‍🦺 My favourite harness & dog gear: rockymountaindog.ca/?ref=ka8S8Xue 🦴 My favourite treat bag: amzn.to/3UUGF60 🦮 Beautiful custom biothane leashes (I use the hands-free version): www.hightailhikes.com?aff=212 Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content.

[@JeannetteKincaidSanderson]

Love everything about this. As a dog trainer, figuring out the filming is the hardest part!! You are doing amazing.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much!! And I totally agree: the camera work is the hardest part 😂 I’m impressed by people that have cinematic channels because I’m happy to just get the dog in frame 😂

[@Dahlily]

​@@happyhoundsdogtraining as an aspiring dog trainer, its so hard to even get shakey footage of my walk! I got a gopro and its been a game changer. Just clip it to my jacket and when a situation occurs, i can just press a button and off we go!

[@brandywickens3350]

We live in a world of TIKTOK and IG. Everyone is out there filming themselves do everything... Least this is constructive and helpful!!! LOL Great video.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

BAHA true! I like that. Just part of the selfie crowd now 😅 I had to keep reminding myself NOT to look at the people staring at me. If the camera is on your head, it looks where you look 😂

[@melissaarchie5686]

Hands down the BEST training video I’ve seen on walking the dog…I’ve watched A LOT. ESPECIALLY the distinction between heel and loose leash and how you use them and transition. Oh, and the importance of progressing difficulty of environment. It’s not that this information is not commonly available, it’s that you show it in a real example and it is so very clear. The progression… SOOOOO Good! My 2 year old Rottweiler learns so quick, but we’ve had trouble helping him to get the heel & heel release understanding. Never mind loose leash vs sniffing E’rythang! I’m confident that this will be my savior. I’ll be back to let you know. You’ve got a new subscriber!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much!! What a lovely comment 🥰 You made my night!

[@KulturregionFyn]

Thank you. Your channel is fantastic and I love your videos that are easy to understand. I really like the mixture of background knowledge and actual ways how to train a dog. It hurts me soo much to see all those channels which advocate for slip leads and prong collars or punishing a dog for not understanding difficult behavior in five minutes. Thank you!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much for the kind feedback! 🙂 I really appreciate it!

[@joannemantilla7404]

Thank you for this video!! I wish more trainers would talk about how long it takes to train a new skill in the real world!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I'm so glad you liked it! I totally agree. I think we need to give realistic expectations for timelines!

[@CC-js7el]

This is VERY similar to what I do. I do have a few things I do differently. First, I don’t teach leave it or drop it first- well sort of lol. I start with the indoor leash walking and have them practicing this for a few weeks while I add other things. The per parent is the one practicing it too. My leash walk is your heel. For my heel they have to be looking at you and eyes level with your pant leg. If they break that position, we stop and reposition them. I only encourage them verbally if they fall behind slightly. I don’t like turning around for correcting a pull on a loose leash walk. It does tug and (as I was originally trained to do so) it saw frustration in most dogs with this method. The only time I turn around or walk away is if they want to go greet someone that they see in front of us. They have to be pulling as well for me to do that. Most of the time I can use verbal encouragement as I turn around and they will come with me. I treat heavily during this time. If they pull for any other reason (like a sniff) I keep walking. I verbally encourage catching up after saying “leave it” (even if they haven’t learned it yet) and immediately click and treat as soon as they start to follow me. It takes no more pull at the leash as your turning around and usually they get it after just one time. I name the walking “with me”, and the heel “heel” lol. I also don’t hold the treat down in front of their nose from the beginning. I consider this bribing. What you want to teach from the beginning is to look at you as much as possible. So start with that. This is the end goal. That’s because of your dog is looking at your face while walking they are either 1) walking backwards in front of you (not likely) or 2) walking next to you (end goal). So really all your teaching is for them to watch you while walking.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I'm having a little bit of a hard time following what you mean in a few spots. Do you have a video tutorial of your method I could watch for clarity? The parts I'm not sure I'm following: - You say my heel is your leash walking, and that you use "heel" as an even more strict version where the dog needs to look at you the entire time? Am I understanding that correctly? I'm curious the utility of needing the dog to constantly look at you? Also, do you never allow loose leash walking then? - When you say you "reposition them", how so? I fully agree that starting with holding the treat in front of their nose is bribery. That's very intentional! In this video (Are Treats Bribes? How to Properly Use Treats in Dog Training: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4fUaZyQad-pnsk ) I discuss how lure training, which we commonly use to teach skills like sit & down initially, is absolutely bribery. However, it helps the dog quickly learn the "action" without as many errors, and can often increase speed of learning. Of course the important aspect is phasing the lure out as soon as possible! You say that "the end goal is for the dog to look at you as much as possible", but that's not my end goal. Of course I love check ins, but I don't see the utility of the dog needing to watch my face the whole time (if that's what you meant). I want the dog to walk my pace at my side, but I'm perfectly happy for them to be looking at their surroundings while out on the walk! If you've found a method you love & that works for you though, that's great! There's definitely more than one way to train a dog 😊

[@obiblooze5902]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining I'm so with you on this, I really don't like to see dogs looking up at their owners all the time, you want them to enjoy the walk. I'm still learning with my doggo, romanian rescue. He's doing great but I'm so pleased to have found your channel, I love the way you teach 🥰

[@nataliamorelli2445]

Thank you Stephanie!!! Your videos are very helpful for the beginners like me. I've got a 1.5 years old puppy (she is 73lb😱) from our local shelter after losing my 13years old dogin May. I never trained my previous dog and she was great with us, but not social with other dogs and people. I was a problem when we were going camping or on a trip. I've been watching other trainers, but nobody is so detailed as you are while explaining training steps. I see that i already made tons of mistakes, expecting probably too much too quickly from my baby. Every day I'm incorporating your techniques in my training and our walks. I'm very happy that I found you🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👏🥰🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you SO much for the kind words!! I go out of my way to explain things in a stepwise fashion so that people can actually follow my tutorials & implement them at home ♥ I think the small details are what determines whether the training will actually work, and I want my videos to be useful! Thank you for commenting & supporting my channel 🙂

[@MaryMusicalMelodies]

Trying thesee tips on my 2 year old border collie mix I definitely see where I went wrong as a puppy so I want to try and enjoy walks and fix her reactivity

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

It’s never too late to change things ☺️❤️ I’m going to be posting a LOT more leash & reactivity training tutorials on the channel this year too!

[@caryrogers9676]

I love your videos! I like that you emphasize reward-based training instead of punishment or corrections. My dog is a 4 year old rescue staffy/boxer mix and he has been learning so quickly and happily since I discovered and started using your training videos.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thanks! Comments like this and knowing my videos help makes my day! 😊👏

[@stacymorel4663]

I just got your 6 weeks to dream walks and started with my 6 year old Lab this morning. I have taught him heel (in the past) and he did great our first training session today, except that he was so excited, he was biting too hard when taking the treats. I figured that is a lesson for another time, so I just got some gloves to wear for now. I want to thank you so much for your force free, positive reinforcement approach and your sharing this to be the best way to train. I could never imagine hurting my pups to get them to learn a new task. You are appreciated!!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You're very welcome, and I'm so glad it's the training approach you've chosen with your dog ♥ You're appreciated too! For the taking treats roughly: this training is covered a little later in the guide, but working on the un-cued impulse control (minute ~ 1:32 of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q57XYZ18brJ7m6s) really helps!

[@sharons.3870]

Love your video and Truely Very Helpful info. It's Long overdue to train dogs Kindly and Humanely. THANK YOU! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!❤

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@kage15]

Thank you soo much for using your stylish white helmet and go pro! It helped alot!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Hahaha you’re welcome! The public shame was worth it ❤️😂

[@StephaniePrattUX]

Amazing video, thank you! Can't wait to work on it get my pup to understand what im looking from of her more. Would love to see a video on adding cue for beside and if you teach different right vs left.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much!! I can definitely make a video for teaching "beside" 🙃 Out of habit I always tend to walk with the dog on my left, BUT the most important part is to reward with the hand that's on the side of the dog. I definitely break my own rule of this multiple times in this video, but it's the easiest way to make sure you're rewarding them in the position you want them to be!

[@aliciabrillante]

This video is the best for teaching heel!!! You explain everything so thoroughly and the Disneyland bit made me laugh out loud. It was so obvious but still hard to see because to us it’s just a regular neighborhood but to dogs it totally is Disneyland. Thank you for the go pro. It was helpful to be able to hear you and see it from the perspective we would see it as we train. Also, saying how long it will take was super helpful. Thank you!!!!!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you sooo much!! I'm really glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@colevarner1799]

Hello! I have a few questions: 1. How do you measure success when determining if your dog is ready to move on to more challenging environments? For example: - Indoors: very high engagement, excited about treats, near perfect heel for multiple minutes at a time - Back yard: high engagement, excited about treats, solid short heels, solid LLW - Front yard: moderate engagement, will take treats but less eagerly, very poor heel, solid LLW - Cul de sac: low engagement, sometimes ignores treats, no heel, solid LLW - Neighborhood: very low engagement, extremely difficult to get to accept treats, no heel, still pretty decent LLW Where should we be doing the bulk of our training? If we are going by engagement, we should still be in our front yard or cul de sac. If going by following the LLW rules, then we are okay in the rest of the neighborhood. 2. We have been working on this for about 4 and a half weeks now and are still mostly stuck to our cul de sac. I understand it will take as long as it takes, but my dog is a 1 year old high energy breed (GSP) and I feel like I am depriving him of important enrichment. Is there any way we can take him on hikes on a long line in the meantime without setting back his LLW training? We don't allow him to pull on hikes, but we won't be able to maintain engagement. 3. My dog instead gets into "hunting mode" where he is just 100% on the hunt. LIke there is no down time, no engagement, he is just constantly prowling, stalking, checking every bush... So even when there is no leash pressure, he is very much not engaged and not interested in food. I am having trouble because he can enter this "hunting mode" at any time, and is not necessarily triggered by a more stimulating environment. For example, sometimes he stays engaged and food motivated with me in the front yard and cul de sac. Sometimes we can't even leave the backyard because he is fixated on hunting in the backyard. When he is in that mindset our walks are sort of doomed to fail.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

1. Curious- is your goal to continue both LLW and heeling on “real walks”, or are you just focused on absence of pulling? Based on what you wrote above, I’d be focusing the majority of your training on the front yard for now. Build up the heel skill & engagement there were he’s still interested in treats. Once he starts having low engagement & ignoring treats (cul de sac) he’s letting you know he’s struggling with threshold and needs a step back in difficulty in order to focus. It’s genuinely great that he’s still LLW in that setting so I’d continue doing laps in the cul de sac for exercise, but I’d focus most of the “skill building” in the front yard for now. Depending on what you’re using it could also be time to increase the value of your treats or try offering a new one in case they’re not as exciting for him. Also remember to be animated and fun. Often when we get bored training in repetitive environments our energy drops and we're less interesting to the dog. 2. If he can LLW on hikes I’d definitely incorporate that for exercise regardless of engagement! Burning off some of that energy will make focused training near home easier. It would be worth using a much longer leash while hiking so that he can have a lot of freedom before any leash tension would occur. 3. Two things: First- I’d jump ahead to the advanced leave it training in week 4 for this! It’ll help build a cue that grabs his attention, and the rehearsal of the whole thing will also encourage him to ignore more of those stimulants because you’re building a new default behaviour. Once you have trained that advanced version you’re also ready for the prey drive training I teach in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2inaqd7aZWrpac. If during his hunts he ever does find something to chase, that video/training will really help! Second- if he loves hunting I’d find a way of doing that WITH him so the activity still becomes one that helps the focus shift back to you. My dog Neirah wants to chase things, so we play frisbee as her outlet. That transfers the “something is going to move & I’m going to get it” activity into one we’re doing together. If your dog loves trying to find things in bushes, be the one that creates that game for him. For example, you could ask him to stay (tutorial for that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npPWaKyvpqtliNE) in a spot where he can watch you hide a couple treats under bushes. Then give the release cue so he can go find them. This offers the same activity he’s currently seeking himself, but puts you at the centre of it and provides it in a focused manner where he gets the reward of hunting after waiting & listening to your cueing.

[@LivandKylie]

Thank you for this video. I really appreciate you showing the mistakes and how to fix them. I have to keep coming back to your video, it’s helping so much.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I’m SO glad it’s been helpful!! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and let me know 😊

[@lionelbre6139]

Like the positive and calm way that you train your dogs.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you!

[@ryliestenstrom9037]

Thank you!! I absolutely love this! Yes please put a more advanced video out there too🥰

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it & want to see next steps 🙌

[@vascorocha404]

Thank you. So many people still don't get that you dont have to yank your dog by the collar 1.5 meters in the air for them to learn how to walk in a way they were not made for

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

YES! So unnecessary.

[@vascorocha404]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining after watching some videos from beckman's in the beggining of my journey in dog training, i just thought i would rather have my dog pull than put him through that. You and other good trainers on youtube are a blessing. Thank you!

[@winniebge4115]

You make lovely videoes! How do you advice dogowners who live in apartments without yards, as they have to get out in the street in order to exercise their dogs and let them relieve themselves? Harness and long leash as much as possible, when not LLW training?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Yes, exactly 😊 I also suggest focusing a lot on management techniques (such as this: Try THIS for Faster Reactivity Results- Train an EMERGENCY U-Turn kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWXSgJasYr2Apq8) so that guardians can try to avoid situations their dog really isn’t ready for training-wise.

[@okal2468]

I use this and slight leash taps and she’s walking perfect and stress free, I love R+ a lot it’s a great way to train, wonder why some balanced trainer don’t use R+ ….

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Yes, R+ is so effective and much kinder 😀

[@janetm356]

Just found your channel and am loving your content. New 4 y/o rescue pittie who's doing pretty well but needs improvement. I am especially interested in moving her away from very rough play that sometimes scares me. Plays this way with people. I don't have another dog and am limiting her close-up exposure to other dogs for now. Any videos on rough play?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Welcome to the channel! Glad you're enjoying it 😊 I don't have multi-dog videos yet or any on rough play, but it's something I want to create in the future!

[@thomas_janssens]

Thank you for the interesting video! Really makes you rethink the way we deal with our dogs. Quick question: During the proces of this heel and LLW training, I want to take my dog on longer walks to the park etc. Would it be best I switch his gear/leash in moments where we dont specifically focus on the training?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I would definitely suggest using a much longer leash for parks walks when you're not focusing on training 😊 Gives the dog more freedom to explore & sniff without any leash tension

[@PhilBrindley]

These videos are so helpful. I’m going to take my reactive boy Bruce right back to basic and this video is where I’ll start (along with some leave and drop training). I do have a question though please. In between these sessions should we be going for other walks? I’m assuming not, but wanted to check. Thank you so much for all of the time and effort that I personally know these videos take. 🤩

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You're welcome, glad you're enjoying my videos! To answer your question: if you want to do multiple training sessions/walks per day that's 100% fine, but I'd suggest only doing them at the stage your dog is at (so for example if you're practicing in the yard, I'd do multiple yard sessions if wanted that day). In my 6 week leash training guide (e37240-61.myshopify.com/products/6-weeks-to-dream-walks-step-by-step-leash-training-program) I explain in more depth how I progress things & extend walks each week, but one thing I recommend is also practicing this fun recall game for extra exercise & engagement during leash training: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2LFimiQmrqrjrM

[@PhilBrindley]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining thank you for taking the time to answer, and for the link. I’ll be signing up for that course later today! 🐕‍🦺

[@MariSpa]

Excellent information, thanks so much for this video, first time I see a video where all steps are carefully described! Question: what to do if even the backyard is still too exciting and my puppy won't listen at all and is not interested in the treats?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I’m so glad it was helpful ☺️I’m going to link 3 videos that’ll answer your question. 1. This one explains threshold, why dogs lose food motivation when over threshold, and important things to know. It’s also funny 😆 *INSTANTLY* Improve Dog Training Results By Managing Dog Threshold kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWK4h6uIfqeAe9U 2. This one covers some tips for keeping your dog engaged and food motivated when you first go outside: Managing Louie’s Threshold to Keep Him Food Motivated kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaWQl5iop9uontU 3. And this one is a “recall” game that you could do in the yard prior to leash training that will really help with engagement and focus! Improve Your Dog's Recall & Focus With THIS Easy Game kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2LFimiQmrqrjrM

[@evieemaya88]

Great video and new mindset, can I ask how long do you train a dog for per one day session?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thanks! It depends on the dog & skill level, but 20 minutes a day will take you far!

[@NehaSharma-it1qv]

Amazing video! Such a great point about learning progression! Btw I’ll use your training method on my 9mo golden retriever Summer 😁 Just a few questions: how long would you recommend training sessions be? How many treats should I use if I’m not using kibble? (Won’t these treats add up quickly and cause GI issues?)

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. It depends on the dog, but I like to keep leash training sessions (especially when starting) to ~ 20 minutes. Beyond that the dog can get overstimulated and the human loses patience 😂 If even that's a struggle, you'll still see progress with even 10 minute sessions! I'd focus more on quality than duration. For treats: make sure you're using TINY ones..so small the dog doesn't need to chew. Calorie wise you may want to decrease kibble slightly to offset the treat training, but I haven't had issues with GI (again... using tiny, tiny treats).

[@nadinevanderree7558]

I am spotting this video also now and your response! Answered my question about the treats.

[@Brooklyn99faith]

Awesome video!!!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for leaving a nice comment 😊

[@melvinfaay7111]

Great video! How much can you expect from a 4,5 months old shiba inu, in terms of how fast he 'should' learn heel? Atm he still walks towards some leash tension on loose leash walk every now and then (varies per day and where we walk), as he still walks a bit faster than i do. In the house he fairly well knows how to walk next to me (with treats in my hand on belly-height), outside most of the time he gets distracted (mostly after receiving the marker word + treat) during the 'heel' walk practice on leash

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

That's a great start to training! It's a hard question to answer because it depends on so many factors such as handler timing, consistency, quality of rewards, threshold management etc BUT I usually tell people that incredible progress can be expected in ~6 weeks if training is structured properly. I have a 6 week leash training program if you want to check it out: e37240-61.myshopify.com/products/6-weeks-to-dream-walks-step-by-step-leash-training-program

[@lauren5707]

As an up-and-coming dog trainer, I've been watching lots of different trainers to see other methods, and so far, your stuff is one of my favorites, so thank you for uploading them! I do have a question, though: If someone is not interested in teaching their dog how to heel, is the step where you walk them next to your leg around the house and yard still necessary to teach loose leash walking? Can/how would you still teach them to lose leash walk without doing that step first? Thanks!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thanks so much! That’s really lovely to hear 🥰 I’m glad to be a resource! To answer your question- nope! 😊 If you are only interested in loose leash (never heel) then a lot of this can be skipped! I’ll find the link for a tutorial that would be more appropriate. One second!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

This is the video that would make more sense in that case 😊 Main things are still trying to start in low distractions & making sure that pulling NEVER gets rewarded. (10 Tips to IMMEDIATELY Improve Pulling on Leash kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGjOdmeIj5Zrjq8)

[@michelleborchardt199]

Thank you (and Charlotte) for a great video (including the awkwardness of wearing your “film crew” on your head LOL). You break down the steps in an approachable way AND with vital nuggets about realistic goals.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you! Film crew on my head is a PERFECT way of saying it 😅 They live on a decently busy road, so that morning when I was going out in public I kept thinking "Are you sure Steph?" 😂 Haha it was worth the embarrassment (and stares!) though!

[@wendyadams-ng8bv]

I missed the caption identifying your recommended halter. Please advise. And thanks for the helpful instructions.

[@michelleborchardt199]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining You’re willing to make sacrifices for your calling :) It’s a good quality!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

@@michelleborchardt199 You are SO amazing with words. Genuinely. The way you think to phrase things constantly impresses me so much!!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

@@wendyadams-ng8bv Sorry I missed this comment until just now! The harness I love & have personally used for years with my dog is: rockymountaindog.ca/products/kootenay-all-terrain-dog-harness?ref=ka8S8Xue&variant=9882563739684 . The coupon code HappyHounds will get you 10% off!

[@victoriar8668]

Hi! Quick question - is the “okay” a terminal marker to release from the heel into an expectation of loose leash walking or is it the cue to loose leash walking? Thank you for this video!! 🙏🏽

[@victoriar8668]

Nvm I think I know now!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You could technically train it as either, but I’d personally consider it more of a terminal marker or release cue because I only use to to end heel walking. If I’m taking a dog out for a walk and starting with loose leash right away (once they’re more trained) I don’t say “ok” as we leave 😊 At that point I want loose leash to be the default walking style, and I’ll request heel if necessary

[@victoriar8668]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining thank you so much for your response and explanation!! I really enjoy your videos!!

[@ritawinters8112]

Would you please make a video showing how to get the dog in position to heel train using a verbal cue please. Thank you.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I can do that! 😊

[@ritawinters8112]

Thank you!

[@alisoncookcilliers254]

Yes please do a beside me video

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

YAY!! I'm so glad someone wants it 👏

[@dogtrainer3897]

Love it

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you!

[@tinegeurts5499]

Hello, I'm very curious how you have your clients exercise/walk their dog, while you have (almost daily?) sessions working on their dog's heel and leash skills? Are they trying to do what you are on their daily walks? To reinforce what you are teaching (though rather difficult if you are new to it and likely to mess up your work). Or do you ask them to not walk their dogs in the mean time (because otherwise they would be pulling again), but instead exercise them in a different way (play in the garden). And what if they dont have a garden? Thanks for answering!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Good question! The answer varies. First, it's probably important to know that 90% of my clients are never on KZbin... most of the time I'm training the PERSON how to train their own dog (rather than me doing any of it). These KZbin videos just give me a fun excuse to get to take the leash sometimes hahaha. Charlotte's guardians were taught what to do, so they were still completely "allowed" to take her out in between my filming sessions. However, the weather wasn't ideal that week, so I believe they only had her out once or twice. Mostly played with her in the backyard :)

[@scotmarvin8991]

Such great information. Thank you!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you! I’m so glad it was helpful 😊

[@amplemovement7945]

I really love your content. Keep up the great videos. Could I make a small suggestion: in this video at the end you showed someone using aversives as an example of how not to do it I guess. Could you put a content warning or something before showing that type of thing? Both my partner and I physically jumped and he and I both said we didn't want to see that. It was on the screen before we knew what was happening and could look away or pause the video. It was upsetting. Thanks for the consideration. Again, love your content!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I apologize for startling you, and agree with your comment! I should've added a trigger warning. I find that compulsion training is SO prevalent online (which upsets me) that it's become normalized. Part of my purpose of making this video was to show people that currently DO use corrections that there's a different way, and to showcase the difference in body language when the dog is "taught" with different training styles. I would love to move people away from compulsion to force free! However, that totally missed the mark on respecting the audience I have that already IS force free and hates seeing animals mistreated (like you guys!). My apologies. I'll definitely add warnings where needed moving forward :)

[@amplemovement7945]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining thank you! I am a retired force free trainer and I love all the new content offered by ff trainers so I try to engage and comment to get ones like yours in front of more eyes! Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

@@amplemovement7945 I really appreciate the engagement and support! 😀 It makes a huge difference, particularly for small channels like mine. It's also so encouraging for continuing to make new content!

[@nataliamorelli2445]

​@@happyhoundsdogtraining your channel MUST grow. I will spread your name to people who come to our dog park. I've been watching Zak George videos, which are very helpful, but you give us more details on how to go step by step. And my Maya is doing great! Although previous owners told shelter that she destroyed everything in and out of the house 😢. We have had her for 3 months and no incidents so far, except she pulls me on leash when she is excited about something. Yesterday I used your technique from one of the videos, it worked!👍 Work in progress. 😁🤩🥰❤️

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

@@nataliamorelli2445 I LOVE getting comments like this 🙂👏I'm so happy to hear that the technique helped!!

[@majacerar1133]

Hello! I have 2 years old male chihuahua. I bought the course and started training with kindergarten hill training. I’m using high value treats and exercise him before training. However, he doesn’t want to move from sitting in the front position to turn and sit by the hill. He just doesn’t seem to be that interested to follow the treat. I also tried the trick with the spoon as he is tiny but that didn’t work either. What am I doing wrong?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Hi! How is he at taking treats from your hand when you're not trying to lure him? If he's fine with that, he's probably just a little nervous about the movement aspect. I'd put something tasty (like wet dog food) on the spoon and just start by laying it on the ground for him to lick, then progress to holding it in your hand but keeping it stationary, then adding slow movement for him to follow. It also helps at first to say your marker word as you add the motion so he still knows he's "allowed" to go for it. Last tip is that it's important to think of the treat & your dogs nose as magnets when you're trying to lure.... too much distance between them and the "draw" stops working. Hope that helps!

[@alisecornia]

Does anyone know if this strategy requires keeping treats for every walk? Or do the dogs eventually learn to walk without treats also? Thanks for your help!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I phase down treats a LOT (my dog might get 2-3 total per walk now) but I don't suggest getting rid of them completely. It's still important to reward dogs for the behaviours we want them to keep offering 😊

[@alisecornia]

@ Thanks for responding!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

@@alisecornia Of course! 😊

[@clairee9698]

Hi! We bought and started working through your 6 week program a few days ago. We're still struggling with getting past kindergarten! We have been playing the recall game outside, then coming inside for training. Our pup is having a really hard time "clicking" that we want her to heel. Even with a treat lure inside the house, she will very often break randomly to go sniff something. We will have small stretches of success, but as soon as we try to decrease the treat frequency a little bit from basically treats each step, she loses interest and breaks heel. Any tips?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Hi! How old is your puppy? And just to clarify then, you're still only using week 1's exercises, yes? If so, I'd actually suggest switching the training order and starting with the INDOOR (ie heel) training first, then go outside to play the recall game. And make sure for the heel portion you're using something very high value and exciting 😊 Depending on her age the recall game might be tiring her out a little, and young pups also only have a short attention span so some of that might've been used up outside haha. Once she progresses and the heel training is also outside, then switch and do recall first 😊

[@clairee9698]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining Thanks for your response! I should have clarified, she is 3 years old but we have only had her about 1.5 weeks. I’m thinking that a big part might also be that everything is so new to her. I appreciate the idea to switch the order - we’ll try that and see how it goes!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

@@clairee9698 Oh, yes, her being so new to you guys & her environment would DEFINITELY affect her focus!

[@freeskyfood]

I would like a verbal cue for heel video if it hasn't already been made.

[@miralibant3917]

What if I have a small dog morkie, haw I should walk and give her treats ?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Check out this video 👉 Leash Training a Small Dog? Try THIS to Save Your Back! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHPRmIGBpbKkbZY

[@anntangpanit2684]

What’s the difference between saying heel or let’s go?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Can you elaborate/add a time stamp for which part of the video? I want to answer that they're different cue words, but I suspect you're referencing a specific part of the video!

[@Silverbeardedsurfer]

What if it's a powerful dog which is pulling the owner into traffic?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Luckily with the methods shown in this video you begin training indoors then in a backyard or quiet field so the dog can develop a solid skill set BEFORE introducing any situations such as being near traffic. After that, you may need to continue training at more quiet moments of the day, or on safer paths until the dog is semi proficient. I'd also HIGHLY suggest looking into why the dog would possibly be pulling directly into traffic in the first place since that's an odd behaviour. Are they vehicle reactive? Sound reactive? Trying to pull towards something across the road? Those would need to be addressed separately.

[@Silverbeardedsurfer]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining Yeah over the other side of the road. Rescued dog.

[@rootedlivinghomestead3021]

When I am trying to teach heel, my 13 wk old Golden just hops at the treat like a bunny 🙈

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Haha that sounds adorable, but perhaps less so as your pup grows 😂 Are they jumping up trying to grab the treat? It's important to make sure you're offering the treat low enough that all 4 paws stay on the ground (so right in front of their face at head height). If that's difficult to do, this might be a helpful solution until your pup is a bit taller: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHPRmIGBpbKkbZY 🙂

[@kathyweist9236]

My dog walks nicely as loose leash walking, but NO treat will keep her attention if she sees a cat or from her reaction towards a dog on a leash! Can this training ever correct this before she pulls me across the street

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

This training will help, BUT there's better exercises for those struggles 😊 I'm already working on a video for leash reactivity towards other dogs (how to keep your dog calm while walking past other dogs). I empathize with your dog wanting to chase cats because my own dog has intense prey drive and it was one of the main things I needed to work on with her. I made this short tips video about her & prey drive (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX20Y558qM2HgdU) but I'm also going to film a more extended "how-to" tutorial for tip #2 in it (training your dog to watch little critters calmly but NOT chase them). I have the perfect client's dog to film it with... I just need to find enough cats & bunnies on our walks to do the training 😂