How to Train
Your Greyhound
to Heel off the Leash

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

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

This is how you need to start:

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

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 Greyhound needs to know that you are happy. Don't try to teach your Greyhound anything if you are in a bad mood.

Change your voice to a commanding tone or call the name of your Greyhound 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 Greyhound tries to get ahead of you) is your problem, or if your Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound performs as asked.

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

If the Greyhound you are training is large, make sure you carry the leash folded twice, with the snap end in your right hand. If the Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound at heel position fail, it's time to put the leash back on, give it one good jerk to bring the Greyhound in close, and try again. The change in voice, followed by flattery with the occasional use of the leash, should eventually teach your Greyhound to stay at your side at all times. Especially if you make the heeling fun!