Heeling

[IMANI]

Hello,
I have been reading a lot of different techiques to train a basenji to walk 'properly' on the lead, to heel instead of pulling, I am confused and I do not want to get my puppy confused trying different ways everyday.

Does anyone have a video link where I could SEE exactly what to do and show step by step how to train the basenji, for example what to do when the puppy forges ahead, I just stop and wait until she stops pulling around my perimeter, obviuosly not pulling back, but I have so many doubts about what to really do! I would love to watch a video of how you did that worked well and all the stages you have to go through to get your basenji used to walking with you.

I tried searching on Youtube, but all that is shown is how to train an 'already trained' dog…:(

Thanks!

[Kipawa]

Kipawa does pull at times, and what you say you do (stop and wait until doggie stops pulling) does work for us. You can also incorporate one step back after you have stopped. Also, are you using a martingale style collar? When we started using one, Kipawa's heeling became much improved.

Although I didn't find any videos with basenjis heeling, I did find a number when I searched using 'heeling puppy'.

[Kipawa]

Not sure if you have searched the forum, but under 'heel' there are a number of threads. This one is quite good.

http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=9134&highlight=heel

[IMANI]

@Kipawa:

Not sure if you have searched the forum, but under 'heel' there are a number of threads. This one is quite good.

http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=9134&highlight=heel

Thank you, I will try to apply the advice given on that post. Yes, I use Martingale collar (6ft) and treats. I am now trying to do as I read on a basenji book, when she is walking by me, not pulling, I give her a reward and I say 'Yes! Good dog" at the same time, but that works at the beginning, soon after she does not show any interest in the treat, she is much more interested in whatever is around, and then she starts pulling.

[Patty]

When training I use everyday treats and also special treats (something that smells especially appealing). Use the special treats when she stops pulling and give her lots of what I call 'silly voice' praise. Make sure that every time she pulls you stop (or take a step backwards (don't turn round). It may be that your walk doesn't progress very far at first if you consistently have to stop but persevere. She will learn that she goes further when she walks beside you.

This has always worked for me but I do find that for some of mine it has been a long slow job!

You may not get brilliant results at first - just remember to be consistent and patient.

[IMANI]

Thank you for the suggestions, I will use the same techinques, hopefully with consistency and lots of patience it will get better…hopefully!

[IMANI]

Thank you for your advice, it seems that it is working!!! I hope it continues that way, she pulls just a little bit now and it is getting much better. Thank you very much.

[Kipawa]

@IMANI:

Thank you for your advice, it seems that it is working!!! I hope it continues that way, she pulls just a little bit now and it is getting much better. Thank you very much.

Well done!