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Important: When you take the leash off,
remember the following:
Your English Springer Spaniel should not run off, with you chasing vainly
behind, yelling for your English Springer Spaniel to come back. Yes, if you
want Fido to free heel, you must have your English Springer Spaniel trained
to heel on the leash first.
This is how you need to start:
- Take your English Springer Spaniel off its leash.
- Walk in a straight line. Angling into your English Springer Spaniel will
cause her to heel wide.
- Walk briskly! Don't walk at the pace of your English Springer Spaniel.
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 English Springer Spaniel needs to know that you are happy.
Don't try to teach your English Springer Spaniel anything if you are in a
bad mood.
Change your voice to a commanding tone or call the name of
your English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel tries to get ahead of you) is
your problem, or if your English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel 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
English Springer Spaniel performs as asked.
When your English Springer Spaniel is doing a good job of learning, give
it a commendation it deserves! Praise them when they are learning
and performing well.
If the English Springer Spaniel you are training is large, make sure you
carry the leash folded twice, with the snap end in your right
hand. If the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel at heel position
fail, it's time to put the leash back on, give it one good jerk
to bring the English Springer Spaniel in close, and try again. The change
in voice, followed by flattery with the occasional use of the
leash, should eventually teach your English Springer Spaniel to stay at your
side at all times. Especially if you make the heeling fun! |