How to Train Your Dog to Follow You

Training your dog to follow you has definite benefits. You can take him on off-leash activities, walk him on a leash more comfortably and control him in distracting situations. Training your dog to follow you requires the skills that all dog training does̵2;knowing your dog, communicating with him, acting as pack leader, breaking down behaviors into small steps, and staying consistent, patient and persevering.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Training collar
  • 6 foot leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start training with treats inside the house. You can either use a leash or not in the beginning, since you are trying to get his attention and show him what you expect without any real pressure.

    • 2

      Hold a treat in your left hand and hang your arm down at your side. Let your dog smell the treat but not take it. Walk around your house as your dog follows your hand. This works best if the treat is something he rarely gets, like cheese.

    • 3

      Stop every so often, still holding the treat in your hand. Say your dog's name and then, "Heel," and start walking again. If he starts to wander off, call his name, show him the treat, let him smell it and start walking again. Never give him the treat in your hand. Use praise as a reward or give him a treat from your other hand. Once he understands that ̶0;heel̶1; means he is to come to your left side and follow you wherever you go, take the training outside.

    • 4

      Put a training collar and leash on your dog. The Monks of New Skete, famous dog trainers, recommend a 6 foot cotton web or leather leash of a suitable width for the size of your dog clipped onto a nylon snap-around collar.

    • 5

      Set your dog to start once you are outside. Stand in one place and tell your dog to sit next to you. Do not start walking until he is calm and paying attention to you. If his attention drifts, say his name and show him a treat if necessary, but do not give it to him. You just want his attention.

    • 6

      Start walking. Tell your dog to heel and praise him if he comes to your left side and follows your lead. If he lags behind you or walks off to the side or front, make a 90 degree right turn and keep walking, giving the heel command again. When he reaches your side, praise him quietly and keep walking. Repeat this step as often as needed, but try not to end up walking around in circles.

    • 7

      Give your dog enough leash. You don̵7;t want to keep your dog on a short leash while you are teaching this following behavior. Put your right hand through the leash loop and hold the leash in front of you with your left hand, but let it stay slack. The dog needs to understand and comply with what you want, not feel that he is forced. Otherwise he will bolt or drift away the first time the leash goes slack. Turning at 90 degree angles, both left and right, will keep him on his toes and imprint your expectations on his mind. If you have set yourself as pack leader, he will follow you, eventually even when not on a leash.