How long does it take to get a dog to walk to heel?

The moment we step into the house, the dog's enthusiastic welcome with a wagging tail has planted the warm seed of companionship in our hearts. From then on, the time of walking in the streets and alleys has become a precious daily life shared with dogs. But many dog ​​owners have had such troubles: the walk that should be warm and cozy often becomes a mess because the dog runs around wantonly and does not listen to commands. "How long does it take to train a dog to walk to heel?" This question, like a heavy stone, weighs on the hearts of every owner who wants to walk with the dog tacitly. ​

Deep in the genes of dogs, there is a strong desire to explore the world. For them, the outdoor world is a huge treasure trove full of surprises. The strange smells carried in the breeze, the birds jumping on the branches, and the vehicles passing by on the street can instantly ignite their curiosity, making their attention like a horse running away, and it is difficult to retract it. For example, a beagle with a keen sense of smell can forget everything if a fallen leaf has a unique smell, and will persist in exploring, regardless of the owner's call. Different breeds of dogs have very different behaviors and obedience due to the differences in their historical breeding purposes. For example, the intelligent poodle has a strong learning ability, but its lively and active nature makes it easy to be distracted when training to follow; while the calm Rottweiler has a higher obedience, but because of its large size and strength, the owner also needs to master the appropriate method during the initial guidance. ​

Scientific training methods are the key to successfully training dogs to follow. Positive reinforcement training method can be called the "golden rule" in the training world. When the dog consciously approaches the owner's side, maintains the correct following position, or makes an adjustment to its pace to approach the owner, the owner immediately hands over a delicious snack, such as a small piece of cheese, and praises it in a cheerful and encouraging tone: "Baby, you did a great job!" This operation allows the dog to closely connect the following behavior with pleasant rewards, stimulating their willingness to actively repeat this behavior. On the contrary, incorrect training methods, such as pulling the leash roughly or even beating and scolding the dog, not only fail to convey the owner's intentions, but will plant the seeds of fear and resistance in the dog's heart. There was once an owner who frequently pulled the leash hard because the dog ran around when walking. Over time, the dog was trembling every time he went out, and the originally close relationship became alienated, and the accompanying training was even deadlocked. ​

The individual characteristics of the dog play a key role in the length of training. Dogs with gentle personalities and eager to please their owners can often quickly understand the training requirements. For example, friendly Labrador dogs respond positively to the owner's instructions. After just a few weeks of regular training, they can tacitly follow the owner in a familiar environment. But independent and slightly stubborn dogs, like Siberian Huskies, have their own "little ideas". When training, the owner needs to spend more time to explore the most effective means of motivation. Some dogs respond to toy rewards far more than food. The owner can skillfully use its favorite ball in training to improve the training effect. In addition, the age of the dog also affects the training process. Puppies are like unpolished jade, with strong plasticity, but their attention span is short, so the owner needs to conduct multiple, short-term fun training; although adult dogs have formed certain behavioral habits, once they master the skills of accompanying, their behavior patterns are relatively more stable. ​

The process of training dogs to accompany is essentially a journey for the owner and the dog to build a deep trust and close relationship. On weekdays, the owner combs the dog's hair and plays with it. The trust accumulated from these little interactions will become the motivation for the dog to actively cooperate in training. When the dog makes mistakes during training, the owner's patience and tolerance are the key to promoting training. If the owner gets angry because the dog does not meet expectations, the dog will avoid training out of fear. There was once a naughty Pomeranian who was frequently scolded by the owner during accompanying training. Later, he hid when it was time for training, and the training was stagnant for a while. After the owner adjusted his attitude in time and gave more patience and encouragement, the dog gradually regained confidence and the training continued.​

As for how long it takes to train a dog to follow you, there is no standard answer. A dog with outstanding talent and good training can see initial results in about a month and can basically follow you in a simple environment. But for most dogs, it may take two to three months, or even longer. Regular training frequency is crucial. Arrange a special time for training every day, and constantly consolidate during daily walks to help the dog master it better. Even if the dog has learned to follow you, it needs to be continuously reinforced later, otherwise the dog is likely to relapse due to changes in the environment or lack of training for a long time. ​

Training a dog to follow you is a long journey intertwined with love and patience. Every time a dog keeps up with the owner, it is a strong proof of its trust in the owner. The process may be difficult and time-consuming, but when you can finally walk side by side with the dog, leisurely strolling on the street, and enjoy the harmonious and beautiful time, you will be surprised that all your efforts have turned into the most precious memories. No matter how long the training road is, the owner's love for the dog is always a powerful driving force for the dog's growth, and the loyalty and companionship given back by the dog also make this journey shine, full of warmth and meaning.