Hi all, I wondered if anyone had and tips for me on training 'heel' I always find it so much more difficult than other commands, as with things such as 'sit' and 'down' they do the action and then treat...easy, but with heel, I always find that because you and the dog are moving I can never say the command and treat/praise at exactly the right moment, and by the time the treat gets to the pup he is already pulling again, I guess Im not quick enough! At the moment he seems to weave around all over the place, often nearly getting stood on. Ive not really got him started on lead training yet (he is 15 ish weeks old) as he came from the rescue place very nervous and have just really spent the time up to now getting him used to everything. Im not really sure if I should even use treats in his training at all as at the slightest sniff of food he turns in to an absolute lunatic, he jumps, squeals and cries (Ive never quite seen anything like it) He just gets so excited he doesn't quite know what to do with himself! He is also very nervy still when out without our older dog, he just seems to want to get home as soon as possible, when he is out with her he is like a different dog and always pulls to walk next to her.

So does anyone have any tips to offer about heel training, he is so wriggly and light at the end of the lead I find it hard to get him into the right position and he is certainly not in the right position long enough for me to praise him for it...any advice?

oh also, would anyone mind taking a peek at a picture of him (theres a link in my profile) and offer any thoughts on breeds in him...we were told he is a springer x lab, but most people think he is a boarder collie straight away, what do you guys think?

I'm guessing that you are trying to train loose lead walking rather than proper competition style heelwork, am i right? It just helps to clarify. Unfortunately this is something i'm still struggling with so no real advice from me i'm afraid.
As for breed of pup, i think probably collie x lab, as that muzzle looks slightly more lab like to me. He does look quite like a springer x lab that i know except for the colouring, that white tip of the tail is usually a collie trait.

Treats, treat, treats, I always teach to walk to heal in my kitchen and garden before going outside with distractions to break concentration, it is so much easier.  I think lots of Collie in your pup, which is actually a good thing as your pup will be very quick to learn and love every minute, but also quiet hyper as a pup so keep your pup busy and train every single day.

Absolutely no advice whatsoever, but just wanted to say he's gorgeous... very kind sweet little face..

DOh!

looks like typical BC pup from piccy to me!,though its only a head shot etc etc.

if he is a BC then youll find he WILL like to be infront of you abit.

mine are either in front or do competition hw.

if he is a BC he may prefer a reward of a bally

Lucyandmeg, yes I do mean just loose lead walking for our everyday walks, I will try and introduce treats into the training, at least I know he will stick by me (albeit if he is crying with excitment because of FOOD!) also I will try using a ball to keep his attention, he does love his squeaky ball!

Thanks for your compliments, he really is a sweet little thing, very loving and yes...a little hyper and crazy, it is a bit of a change of pace from my rather sloth-like golden retriever (shes's so laid back, she is horizontal) ...but I am enjoying (almost!) every minute of his energy!

Oh lovely! he reminds me a lot of the border collie pup we had late 60's - very similar face for the age, but he was more black. :D

Nope, face is too 'blunt' and rounded for bc pup, i can see spaniel in there....

Id go wtih clicker training... as you say its not enough time that he is where you want him to be, to give you chance to give him a reward that actually means smoething to him.

With clicker training you can click the second he is right, but fumbling for the treat for a few seconds is not so bad.

With mine (collie springer gsd), we did a lot of off lead heel stuff, because at a young age they WANT to be near you, so use that to your advantage and get out there, off the lead and reward him for being nexty to you, start diong straight lines for a few paces... up the number of paces before the treat, then throw in some simple turns, then harder ones etc etc. Also changes of pace are v handy to do.

Then move it onto doing it on lead.... whilst you are doing the above, just make sure you NEVER let him pull on the lead... doesnt matter where he is so long as there is no tension. if there is, stop dead and dont move till he releases teh tension in the lead (you could be a while, dont take him out if you are in a rush).

Em