How to Teach a Dog the “Next” Command?

It can be enjoyable and fulfilling for you and your pet to teach your dog the "Next" command. It’s a fantastic method to improve communication and establish mutual trust. This command can make your walks and outings smoother and more pleasurable, whether you’re training an older dog or a puppy.

The goal of the "Next" command is to motivate your dog to advance in a controlled manner. This is especially helpful when you want them to walk at a steady pace or when you want them to avoid obstacles. It’s a tool to help you control your dog’s behavior in a variety of situations, not just a command.

We’ll go over some easy steps in this post to help you teach your dog this command successfully. With a little bit of enthusiasm, consistency, and patience, you can train your dog to respond to "Next" like a pro. Let’s jump right in and begin this thrilling training adventure!

Why the "Next" command is so important for you and your dog?

For dogs, the "Next" command is crucial for a number of reasons:

• Allows you to control the dog during a walk. A dog walking next to its owner does not rush at passers-by or run out onto the roadway.
• Makes training more effective. You can constantly control the dog.
• Helps create a trusting relationship between the owner and the dog. Your dog feels calm and protected next to you.
• Useful in everyday life – you can walk the dog next to you without fear that it will run away somewhere.

To put it briefly, the "Next" command lays the groundwork for additional training and peaceful coexistence with the dog.

It is imperative that you divide the training process into manageable, entertaining steps that you and your dog can participate in in order to successfully teach your dog the "Next" command. This command facilitates smoother walks and outings and improves communication between you and your dog in general. Through the use of consistent practice and positive reinforcement, you can help your furry friend learn this practical skill and ultimately strengthen your bond with them.

Preparing for training

Prior to starting "Next to" training, there are several crucial actions that you must do:

• First, accustom your dog to a collar and leash, if you have not already done so. It should respond calmly to these attributes, otherwise it will be distracted during training.

• Second, choose a suitable place for training. It should be a quiet location without distractions. The ideal option is a small fenced area or vacant lot.
• Third, take care of the dog"s motivation. Prepare aromatic training snacks to reward the desired behavior.
• Fourth, set aside time for regular short training sessions. For a puppy, 5-10 minutes is enough, for an adult dog you can devote up to 20 minutes. The main thing is consistency.

And lastly, equip yourself with endurance. When your dog makes mistakes, never get upset with them; instead, gently correct them. Success comes from having a positive outlook and being encouraged.

Teaching a puppy the "Heel" command

The command "Heel" must be taught to puppies patiently and with special attention. Keep in mind that babies with four legs have very little active attention spans.

Begin your training in a serene setting free from superfluous distractions. Give the puppy a command while you’re standing motionless, then gently tug the leash to get it to stand next to you. Give it a treat right away as a reward.

For 3-5 minutes, generously reward yourself by repeating this exercise multiple times. You are then free to relax. Don’t train actively for longer than ten minutes in a single approach.

You can start moving slowly in this position once the puppy learns to take the position next to the command on the spot. Begin with two or three steps while keeping a close eye on the puppy.

Increase the number of steps gradually, vary the direction in which you move, and occasionally switch up the training setting.

Always give your student lots of praise and encouragement when the exercise is coming to an end!

The "Heel" command for an adult dog

There are particulars involved in teaching the "Heel" command to an adult dog:

• Start by checking the skill of walking on a leash. If the dog pulls or gets distracted during a walk, start with this. Develop automatic following by controlling the dog with a light leash.
• As soon as the dog walks calmly next to you, begin to associate this behavior with the "Heel" command. Call the dog, give the command and immediately reward with a treat when it takes the desired position.
• After this, you can move on to practicing holding close while moving. Use baits in the form of toys or treats to attract the dog"s attention to you. Repeat the command regularly and reward.
• When the skill is stable on a leash, you can begin training without it. Gradually increase the distance between you and the dog. Return to the leash from time to time to reinforce the skill.

An adult dog will require two to three weeks of consistent, ten to fifteen minute training sessions to fully train. If you are persistent and patient, your dog will undoubtedly obey you!

Typical mistakes

When training the "Heel" command, owners frequently commit the following common errors:

• Moving on to the next stage without reinforcing the previous one. For example, starting to move without practicing the position in place.
• Getting angry and punishing the dog for mistakes. It is better to patiently correct incorrect behavior.
• Conducting training that is too long, without taking into account the characteristics of the age, breed and temperament of the dog.
• Rushing things, not giving the dog time to master the skill.
• Forgetting to encourage even the slightest progress. Any attempt should be rewarded.
• Avoid these common mistakes – and the training process will be much more effective.

Tips for reinforcing the skill

I suggest the following to make sure that the ability to execute the "Heel" command is well-established:

• Repeat this command regularly during walks in different places. The dog should clearly respond to it in any conditions.
• Periodically return to simple exercises. For example, practice the position next to you in place.
• Continue to mark the correct execution of the command even after many training sessions. Periodically give a treat for the automatic "Heel".
• Train this command with other family members. The dog should perform it not only with the owner.
• Test the skill in distracting conditions. For example, on a playground. Gradually complicate the situation.

You will solidify the "Heel" command for a very long time if you adhere to these easy suggestions.

Additional recommendations for the "Heel" command for dogs

I’d like to offer some helpful advice in addition to the standard guidelines for teaching the "Heel" command. They will assist you in resolving particular issues or problems that you might run into. It is my hope that they will contribute to an even more efficient and effective learning process.

Using a Clicker to Train the Heel Command

An excellent tool for teaching your dog to obey commands is a clicker. Here’s how to train Heel using a clicker correctly:

• First, get familiar with the device by developing a reflex in your dog to the sound of the clicker and to receive a tasty treat immediately after the click.
• When your dog walks next to you in the correct position, click the clicker in a timely manner and give him a treat right away. This is how you mark the desired behavior.
• Try to catch and mark with the clicker the moment when the dog just begins to take the correct position next to you.
• Clearly time the click of the clicker to the correct behavior of the dog, and do not do it belatedly.
• Use the clicker to reward the dog at all stages of command training from the initial to the consolidation of the skill.
• As you learn "Next to" gradually increase the intervals between clicks of the clicker, developing the automaticity of the dog"s execution of the command.

As a result, using a clicker to mark the desired behavior and establish a steady reflex will help train a dog to respond to the "Heel" command more quickly and efficiently. The most important thing is to construct a click sequence correctly.

Training with two or more dogs at the same time

It is feasible to simultaneously teach two or more dogs the "Heel" command, but it calls for a unique method:

• It is better to start separately, having taught each dog basic skills individually.
• Take dogs of approximately the same obedience level with you to group training.
• At first, work with dogs separately, practicing commands one by one.
• Use additional incentives – markers or leashes of different colors to distinguish dogs.
• Reward each dog more often to maintain interest and attention.
• If possible, involve an assistant to control one of the dogs.
• Carefully monitor the interaction of dogs with each other to avoid conflicts.

Dogs will benefit from group training and become more social when it is done well. However, it is preferable to begin following each dog’s thorough individual training.

Solving specific problems that arise during training

While learning the "Heel" command, certain issues could come up. Here are some suggestions on how to resolve them:

• The dog ignores the command: go back to simpler exercises, increase motivation with tasty treats.
• Distracted by other dogs or people: use baits to switch its attention to you. Train focus in distracting conditions.
• Runs ahead or lags behind: slow down the pace of movement, stop more often, control the dog with a leash.
• Pulls on the leash: work on the skill of walking on a leash, use a stop signal.
• Lies down while moving: check motivation, speed up the pace, change the direction of movement more often.
• Confused commands: train them separately, use markers, take pauses between commands.

The most important thing is to identify the root of the issue and go back to easier tasks. Be patient, add complexity to the task gradually, and don’t forget to give the dog regular praise!

Conclusion

A dog’s ability to learn the "Heel" command is crucial because it lays the groundwork for future training and positive interactions with the animal.

The key to a successful training process is using the appropriate strategy, which is built on patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

You can learn to clearly follow the "Heel" command in any age dog by using the advice in this article and dedicating regular training time. This will lay the groundwork for your pet’s future training while also making walks safe and pleasurable. Good luck with your four-legged friends!

Step	Description
1	Get your dog"s attention with a treat.
2	Show the treat and say "Next."
3	Encourage your dog to move forward.
4	Reward them when they step ahead.
5	Repeat the process until they understand.

You and your dog may find great satisfaction in teaching each other the "Next" command. It improves your dog’s responsiveness and fortifies your relationship. Your dog will pick up on your expectations if you are consistent and patient with them.

Don’t forget to make training sessions enjoyable and brief. To encourage your dog, give him treats or praise—positive reinforcement. This method not only facilitates their learning but also adds enjoyment to the process.

As you continue your training, make sure to practice in various settings. This aids in the command’s generalization and your dog’s ability to react correctly in a variety of scenarios. The ultimate aim is to have a well-mannered dog that pays attention to you wherever you go.

Ultimately, each dog develops at a different rate. Enjoy the little victories along the road, and don’t be afraid to modify your strategy when necessary. Together, with love and perseverance, you’ll accomplish amazing things!

Video on the topic

How to teach a dog to follow the "Heel" command. Dog training

Puppy training: "Heel" command!"

How to teach a puppy the command next to

Stop Command 🐶 Wean a dog off running to people and dogs 🐕 Teach a puppy to stop on a leash 🐩

How to teach a dog the "heel" command | What is the "heel" command | What does "heel" consist of

Heel Command 🐶 Teach a dog to walk at the owner"s feet 🐕 Teach a puppy to walk on a leash on command 🐩

How to teach a dog the "Heel" command?

267. More about the "Heel" command. Heel level PRO. How to teach a dog to walk next to