[Day 34] "Foot" training: How your dog learns to walk relaxed at your side
Basic obedience: Day 34 of 56
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The "foot" walk is one of the most advanced exercises in dog training and is incredibly useful, especially in everyday life. Imagine walking with your dog along a busy street or through a crowded park - your dog remains calm and walks directly at your side, focussed. This is the goal of "foot" training. Today we'll show you why it's so challenging for dogs to stay in "heel" for long periods of time and the benefits of building up the training with patience and clear signals.
Goal: The dog runs concentrated and close to the human over a defined sequence on a specific side
Equipment: Collar, Leash, treats (e.g. treat paste)
Location: Low-stimulus indoor environment, later outdoors
Duration: total duration approx. 5 minutes with max. 30 seconds "foot" sequences
Why "foot" training is a challenge
Focus on people
For your dog, running "on foot" means an enormous effort of concentration. They not only have to orientate themselves to your pace and direction of travel, but also pay attention to their surroundings. Dogs naturally like to run at a trot and love to explore their surroundings - however, they are given a clear structure when running at a walk. They have to stay by your side in a slow and controlled manner, which is particularly difficult in situations with lots of stimuli.
Your dog's body size also plays a role here. Large dogs often have longer strides than us, while smaller dogs have to run faster to keep up with our pace. Walking "on foot" therefore requires your dog to adapt to your rhythm of movement and learn to stay focussed over longer distances.
Clear communication through visual and auditory signals
Another reason why "foot" walking is challenging is the communication between you and your dog. Your dog needs to know exactly what is expected of him. Clear visual and auditory signals help to control the dog's position. The correct position means that your dog neither runs in front of your feet nor lags behind you. This precise orientation on the leg is crucial so that you can react quickly in difficult situations - for example when encountering dogs or in busy environments.
The meaning of the page: Left or right?
An important decision you need to make during "heel" training is which side your dog should walk on. In everyday life, it makes sense to define a side that your dog always uses - be it left or right. This gives your dog structure and makes it easier for him to understand your signals. Of course, you can also use different signals for both sides, such as "heel" for the left and "right" for the other side. This clear distinction helps your dog to remain flexible in different everyday situations.
Everyday "foot" instead of exam "foot"
Many dog people immediately think of the strict, formal "Fuss" from dog sport trials when they hear the word "Fuss". But the "heel" in everyday life is something different: it's about your dog staying close to you in a controlled manner - but without the stiff rigour of dog sport. In everyday life, we mainly want our dog to follow us, stay calm and not be distracted by external stimuli.
The challenge here is to maintain the "heel" even in distracting situations. Your dog must learn that "heel" also applies in the vicinity of other dogs, when walking past leftover food or during a walk in the city. All of this requires a lot of patience and consistent training, but it's worth it. A dog that has mastered the "heel" is much more relaxed and easier to manage in everyday life.
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Summary
The "heel" walk is an advanced but incredibly valuable skill for your dog. It ensures that your dog stays focussed at your side in situations that involve distractions or danger. The training requires patience and consistency, but is particularly helpful in everyday life - whether in the city, during dog encounters or in busy environments. By teaching your dog to "heel" through clear signals, patience and positive reinforcement, you can build a stronger bond and better control on your walks.
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.
From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.