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CONTENTS

Now 16 Articles!

Last updated 20-Jul-09

Introduction - American Bulldog
American Bulldog Boredom When Home Alone
American Bulldog Destructive Chewing
American Bulldog Eating Poop
American Bulldog Fear Biting
American Bulldog Joint Pain
American Bulldog Massage
Breeding Your American Bulldog
Common American Bulldog House Training Problems
Finding American Bulldogs for Sale
House Training Tips for a New American Bulldog Puppy
How to Clean Your Carpet When Your American Bulldog Pees On It
How to Train your American Bulldog to Heel off the Leash
Paper Training Your American Bulldog Puppy
Recognizing, preventing, and handling American Bulldog aggression
Treating American Bulldog Arthritis Through Regular Dog Massage

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Canine Cancer Secrets
Canine Cancer Secrets
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How to Train
Your American Bulldog
to Heel off the Leash

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Important: When you take the leash off, remember the following:

Your American Bulldog should not run off, with you chasing vainly behind, yelling for your American Bulldog to come back. Yes, if you want Fido to free heel, you must have your American Bulldog trained to heel on the leash first.

This is how you need to start:

  • Take your American Bulldog off its leash.
  • Walk in a straight line. Angling into your American Bulldog will cause her to heel wide.
  • Walk briskly! Don't walk at the pace of your American Bulldog.

Don't wave your hands about - hold your left hand close to your body!

Make sure you always give the first command in a happy tone of voice. Your American Bulldog needs to know that you are happy. Don't try to teach your American Bulldog anything if you are in a bad mood.

Change your voice to a commanding tone or call the name of your American Bulldog sharply if they don't keep up to your walking pace or if they amble away.

After the second command, gently pat your side and give praise (give praise at every opportunity).

If forging (your American Bulldog tries to get ahead of you) is your problem, or if your American Bulldog attempts to dart off, you must stand still! Signal back with your left hand and repeat the heel command forcefully and then pat your side coaxingly.

Remember, training your American Bulldog is not unlike training your child to behave in a way society expects. Give those rules and boundaries. Be firm about what is right and what is not. Praise whenever you have an opportunity. That is, whenever your American Bulldog performs as asked.

When your American Bulldog is doing a good job of learning, give it a commendation it deserves! Praise them when they are learning and performing well.

If the American Bulldog you are training is large, make sure you carry the leash folded twice, with the snap end in your right hand. If the American Bulldog fails to pay attention, call her name loudly or reach out and "spank" her playfully on the hindquarters with the end of the leash. You should then coax your American Bulldog close by patting your side. Never hit hard or in such a way that you cause pain. Just the light spank is all that's needed.

If all attempts to keep your American Bulldog at heel position fail, it's time to put the leash back on, give it one good jerk to bring the American Bulldog in close, and try again. The change in voice, followed by flattery with the occasional use of the leash, should eventually teach your American Bulldog to stay at your side at all times. Especially if you make the heeling fun!

Ultimate
House Training Guide

Ultimate House Training Guide
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immediate download

Clicker Training
Click image for information on how to use a clicker to train your American Bulldog