How to Teach a Schnauzer to Heel

Devoted companions, schnauzers thrive on human affection. They are loving, loyal and eager to protect their human families. Schnazuers are a medium-sized breed weighing an average of 30 to 45 pounds. Schnauzers require daily interaction with their owners to be happy. They are also energetic and need exercise to stay healthy and out of trouble. Daily walks are one way to meet both their need for interaction and exercise. The walk will be more enjoyable for both you and your schnauzer if you teach it how to heel and walk politely on a leash.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

  1. Practice Heeling

    • 1

      Put a leash on your dog and allow it to drag the leash freely around the house. Reward it with dog treats and praise it while it wears the leash to teach it that the leash is a positive thing.

    • 2

      Grab the leash and show your schnauzer a treat. Encourage it to heel as you walk across the room. Your dog should follow you for the treat. When it walks by your side, reward it with the treat and praise.

    • 3

      Choose a side to walk your dog on. Choose either the left or right, but be consistent and walk your dog on the same side every time. Your dog will learn to heel on that side.

    • 4

      Go into the yard and practice walking outside. Walk around the yard several times, treat in hand. Encourage your dog to heel and reward it when it walks by your side with the leash hanging loosely.

    Going for a Walk

    • 5

      Take your dog for a walk. Start with short walks, no more than five to 10 minutes. Keep treats handy to distract your dog from all the enticing sights and smells it will be exposed to on the walk.

    • 6

      Ask your schnauzer to heel and reward it if it comes to your side, walking on a loose leash.

    • 7

      Change direction abruptly if your dog starts to pull on the leash. Schnauzers love forward momentum, so if you suddenly go a different way, it will have to catch up to you. This puts you back in control of the walk. Command it to heel and reward it as it comes to your side.

    • 8

      Turn back around and continue your walk, repeating step 3 each time your dog starts to pull on the leash. Gradually cut back on treats as your dog gets better at obeying the heel command.