Command nearby for dogs - teach with and without a leash

A properly trained dog should adapt to the speed and pace of a person’s movement and change the direction of movement synchronously with him. When the owner stops, the dog is supposed to immediately sit next to him. She must do all this with one command - “Nearby!”
Such complex skills should be practiced by breaking them down into their component parts - this will make it easier for the pet to understand and master difficult behavior.

It is good if by the time you decide to train your dog to move next to you, he will already be familiar with the basic stance, will know how to behave correctly on a leash and how to land. It is best to practice in a quiet place where nothing will distract the dog from the training process. Over time, when your pet begins to master a new skill, you can change the place and train where there are distractions (for example, other dogs, cats or passers-by).

What are the dangers of a dog not knowing the “near” command?

The dog’s execution of the “here” command is not only convenient and useful for the owner, but also important for the safety of the dog itself.

In the modern world, there are many dangers for a dog on the street, which he is not able to recognize on his own:

Spoiled food or other waste may be attractive to your dog and cause poisoning if eaten.
Fast-moving vehicles that your dog may not notice are approaching can result in serious injury and even death.
Other animals that have aroused the dog’s interest may turn out to be aggressive, as well as suffer from dangerous diseases.

Teaching a dog the “Near!” command: mistakes

When training dogs, the command “Near!” The following errors are possible:

you first make a jerk with the leash, and then give the command “Near!” (the dog does not know when to respond to a command);
make very strong jerks with the leash or shout at the dog (it begins to be afraid);
pull the leash instead of jerking (the dog has the opportunity to resist);
give the command “Near!” and do not reinforce it with a jerk (the dog may not respond);
keep your hand with the treat far from the dog’s nose (he is forced to move forward, pulling on the leash);
fasten the leash to the collar, bending sharply over the dog (this may act as a threat to it);
pull the dog towards you to fasten the leash to the collar (the dog may feel unsure, it is better to sit down, call him to you and calmly fasten the leash).

The main mistakes of trainers

Often the dog does not follow the command due to the trainers' mistake. The most common of them:

Giving a command to your pet immediately after a strong jerk with the leash.
Sudden change in speed.
Constantly repeating a command unnecessarily.
Giving commands in an overly stern or threatening voice.
Moving too quickly to a more difficult stage.

Gain strength, patience, get rid of anger before starting training, and the “Nearby” command will no longer be a problem for you.

What should a dog do on the command “near”

A trained dog on the command “near” should move to your left so that its right front leg is level with your left leg.

When the pace of walking changes, the dog should adapt to it, when turning, it should turn with you, and still remain with its right shoulder blade at your left leg - without running ahead or falling behind.

Photo: Malcolm Parnell

When you stop, the dog should sit at your left leg and wait for the next command or resumption of movement.

What does the “Near” command mean for dogs?

The command is required for the convenience of walking with your pet when walking. The dog must accompany the owner on the way when he goes on business or to the square where joint games are planned. An untrained animal will not understand that if the owner turns, she needs to follow him. The habit of walking nearby will help prevent the danger of communicating with aggressive dogs. Training will improve mutual understanding, benefiting the person and his pet.

The command will be needed in such cases as:

Changing the speed of movement when you need to go slower, faster, start walking or stop.
Turn to the side behind the owner.
Safe movement on the road where there are a lot of cars or people.
Completing a course of educational training or passing standards (for a service dog).
Participation in competitions and exhibitions.

This is not the entire list of cases when the command is useful. The skill of walking next to the owner will help in further training. It will be easier for the dog to learn other similar commands related to moving or staying in one place (“Fetch”, “Stand”).

Stage 3. Changing the direction of movement

Teaching a dog to change direction is not at all difficult. To begin, make smooth turns - turn in a semicircle. Over time, gradually begin to turn more and more sharply, eventually achieving a right angle turn. This will require about two weeks of training. Remember that, no matter how smooth the turn you make, before starting the maneuver you must give the command “Near!”

Does training success depend on the dog's breed?

As a rule, all dogs are trainable, regardless of breed and size; differences can only be in the speed of mastering the command. Some breeds (retrievers, poodles, German shepherds, papillons, shelties, Dobermans and Rottweilers) learn faster, some (chow-chows, bulldogs, Afghan hounds) take longer, but it all depends on the owner, his readiness and efforts in training the pet.

Also, the speed of learning can be affected by the characteristics of the pet - dogs with high activity are less able to keep their attention on the task at hand.

Purchasing a leash

How to switch a dog to dry food from natural food

Before a dog can be trained to walk alongside, it must get used to the leash and show respect for its owner. The training takes place in a deserted place, without external stimuli, and at first takes 10-15 minutes.

Important! You should purchase a leash long before training so that the dog gets used to it. Since punishment is used during the training process, the puppy should not be too small.

A properly selected dog leash is an important component of not only walking, but also training your pet. The stores offer a wide range of these accessories. To perform the “sit” command, it is best to first choose a short leash, about one meter.

Every dog needs a leash

It is also important to consider the age and breed of the dog. For small breeds, such as Yorkies, and puppies, the leash should not be massive and cause discomfort to the pet. In the future, training continues with a leash 2-3 m long.

Note! Leashes are available in various thicknesses and widths. For convenience, you can purchase a harness - a piece of equipment that will allow you to better control large breed dogs, such as huskies, and avoid injuries to small dogs.

In most cases, pet store salespeople will tell you which model is recommended for a particular breed and body weight.

How to teach a dog a command near

This article will talk about how to teach your dog a command near you. The “near” command is one of the most necessary and useful commands for any dog, so when training, this command needs to be given appropriate attention.

The command near is needed not only so that the dog does not interfere with long walks, but also, having taught the dog the command near, it will waste much less energy when moving. You can start teaching your dog a nearby command from about six months of age, namely when it gets used to a collar and walking on a leash.

to train your dog nearby in places where there is as little irritation as possible for your pet. This could be a field, park, sparse forest or yard.

When the dog hears the command “near”, it must clearly understand that it needs to walk near the owner’s left leg. This command is given with the word “near”, accompanied by patting the left leg or thigh with the hand.

teach your dog a nearby command in the following way. We fasten the leash to the collar and give the command “near”, and immediately, using the leash, we pull the dog so that the dog’s head is slightly in front of the owner’s leg. After this, we begin to move, gradually loosening the tension of the leash.

If the dog tries to overtake you, you need to again give the command next to him and with a light but sharp jerk return the dog to its original position at the foot. If the dog gets into the correct position when commanded nearby, be sure to treat it with a treat or pet it. All this must be done without stopping, during the training process.

From the beginning, this team needs to train the dog on a straight section, or in a circle with a large radius. Then, gradually, teaching the dog the command next to him is gradually made more difficult, turns to the left, to the right and turns (to the right side) begin to be introduced.

When the dog has learned to walk with the help of a short leash, you can begin to teach the side command on a longer one. When the dog overtakes you, the command “near” is given, which is followed by a light blow with a twig. When the dog then takes the correct position, it should be rewarded with stroking and treats.

When you see that your pet, after overtaking, with a command nearby, immediately returns to the right place, without using any physical force, you can let go of the leash. If the dog begins to overtake, you need to give a command nearby and step on the leash, this causes a slight tug. Over time, the leash can be completely unhooked and moved without it.

I bring to your attention a video on how to teach a dog a nearby command.

Training conditions

You should start training a dog only if it is in normal physical condition (not sick, not depressed and does not refuse food). It is better to feed the dog a couple of hours before, and take it for a walk just before practicing the commands, so that it does all the necessary things and slightly wastes energy, which will prevent absent-minded attention.

You should choose a secluded area for training - at the beginning of training, you do not want unnecessary noise and the presence of strangers, which the dog can be distracted by. It is better if it is a fairly spacious area in the fresh air that is familiar to the dog, with an even surface.

At first, it is better to avoid noisy places. Photo: Kate Hart

When the dog begins to make progress in mastering the command, you should slightly add distractions - change the training location or invite spectators. However, if the dog is very distracted, it is too early to leave the secluded training area.

What you need for training

To teach the “near” command, you will need a collar, a leash, treats for reward, and your favorite toy will also come in handy.

Training should be done daily for 15 minutes. If the dog is tired or distracted, it is best to stop training and continue the next day.

Which delicacy to choose

Treats for reward during training should be in the form of small pieces, not crumble and not get your hands dirty. You can only choose the most suitable treat for your dog through experience. These can be pieces of chicken, sausages, vegetables, fruits, cheese, dry food, and store-bought treats.

Industrially made treats for dogs

Some dogs willingly work for pieces of biscuits. The treat needs to be chosen so that it is desirable for your dog. It is better to choose several types of treats and alternate them periodically so that the dog does not get bored with them.

When to use a special collar

It is not always possible to teach a dog commands using ordinary techniques and equipment. If the dog is a fairly large breed, disobedient, hyperactive or aggressive, then a special collar can help you: a choke collar, a strict collar or an electronic collar.

All this ammunition requires knowledge of its practical use and special care in use.

How to teach a puppy the “Near” command at home?

The command must be spoken in the following situations:

when starting to move;
before stopping. You need to say “Sit” or “Next”;
before changing direction;
after changing the pace of movement.

The command is important for comfortable movement when walking.
The pet can always walk with the owner. Without training, he will not understand that when turning he needs to change direction. Therefore, training will be beneficial. At first, working out should not take more than ten minutes. Then you should gradually increase it to twenty minutes. It is better to combine several commands at each training session so that the pet does not get bored and remains interested. When the dog has fully mastered the task, you should do small exercises on all walks. This is true if training is comfortable and without difficulty for the pet.

You need to choose a place for training that is familiar to the dog. It is worth making sure that nothing distracts her. There should be no strangers on the site; it is important to find a large area. The dog needs to feel freedom.

Before training, your pet needs to get some exercise. Later you will need to find a site where there will be outsiders and other distractions.

It is important to train your pet to sit next to you when he is on a leash or without it. It is advisable to start training when the puppy is 8 months old. Let's look at the options step by step.

With a leash

First, you should teach your pet to walk near the owner with a leash; without it, he will not understand what is required. Algorithm of actions:

Say “Nearby” and pull the leash towards your left leg, where your pet needs to stand.
Walk with the dog like this for a few meters.
Loosen the leash so that the dog feels freer.
If he continues on his own, encourage him verbally.
Even if the pet obeys and copes well, it is not worth giving a treat while walking. His attention will turn to the treat.
If the dog leaves when the owner loosens the leash, you need to repeat the above steps. After a few repetitions, she will understand what to do.
It is important to maintain uniform movement. You should not change speed or turn off the path at the beginning of training.
It is useless to get angry and swear. The pet will begin to worry that the owner is dissatisfied with him. Due to worries, the desire to learn and performance will disappear.
When the animal understands what is required and begins to obey, you should reduce the tension and say “Walk.” Then offer a treat and encouragement.
If your pet doesn't cope with the task, you won't need a treat.

The listed actions are the initial stage of training. When there are no difficulties with it, you can begin training using a more complicated method.

The next stage of training is based on a number of rules:

Walk with an animal on a loose leash.
If your pet does not obey, lightly tug the leash. This is considered an expression of dissatisfaction.
Change the direction and pace of movement.
Reward your pet for obedience.

If an animal does not follow a command the first time, it is difficult to say that it succeeded. He needs to go with the owner at the primary call, stop moving only with his permission. If the speed or direction changes very quickly, the pet will not be able to change lanes. Then there is no point in punishing him.

Without a leash

The time to start off-leash training is when the dog can easily cope with walking on a leash. Algorithm of actions:

To begin, use a long leash. Carry out the training as in the second stage.
If the pet is not running near the owner, you must say “To me”, then “Nearby”.
When the dog easily copes with the command, you will need to remove the leash and proceed to the steps listed above.
The pet will not walk without a leash unless the owner continues to use it occasionally. Otherwise, after a week he will lose his skills.

Video: How to teach a dog a nearby command?

When is the best time to start training?

The “near” command can be learned at any age. Of course, to pass the sports standard, the process will be more complicated, and the puppy cannot be trained at a serious level right away, since you need to start by laying the foundation.

Training the “next” command at a serious level for the purpose of sporting achievements within the framework of IPO or obedience is recommended to be carried out accompanied by an experienced dog handler, since such training has a lot of difficulties and nuances that are difficult to understand solely with the help of the Internet or books on training.

If we are talking about a command for everyday life, the learning process will not be difficult, because for a household command there are no strict performance criteria.

The main thing is to observe timing and choose the duration of training according to the age and experience of the dog. For puppies, the lesson can last several minutes, but for an experienced dog, the lesson time can be increased.

When to start learning

Of course, the easiest way is to train a puppy. The sooner you start this, the more firmly the baby will learn the rule of behavior, which he will follow for the rest of his life.

However, the optimal period for starting training for this particular command is considered to be six months. At this time, the puppy develops behavioral skills and ways of establishing contact, which will be basic in adulthood.

In general, the baby is able to assimilate commands even earlier, but the command “near” must often be accompanied by fairly harsh coercion from the animal. At a very tender age, until the basic character traits have been formed, it is better to avoid this so as not to provoke the development of cowardice.

How to teach a dog a command nearby: puppy and adult

How to teach a dog to walk next to you on a leash

The process of teaching a dog the “near” command depends on its characteristics – age, size, temperament, obedience and much more.

Classic teaching method

Call the dog to you with the command “come” and sit it by your left leg using the command “sit”. Hold the leash in your left hand, its length should be approximately 30-40 cm.
Start the movement and give the command “near”, after a moment tugging the leash with a short, confident jerk and encouraging the dog to follow you (the jerk must follow strictly after the command “near”).
Continue moving in a straight line. The leash should hang freely. If your pet deviates from the required trajectory, adjust its position with the command “near” and jerking the leash. Your task is to get the dog's right front paw to move next to your left leg, preventing the pet from running ahead or falling behind.
If the dog walks nearby, do not skimp on praise, thereby encouraging it. Keep moving.

Photo: FlickerFred

After successfully walking a few steps, stop, sit him by your left leg with the command “sit” and give him a treat. Every time your pet successfully completes a command, actively praise it, give it a treat, or pet it. Let him feel how glad you are that he did everything right. After practicing the command “nearby” several times in a row, let him run with the command “walk” or “maybe” if you give him a toy.
After the dog has confidently mastered walking alongside in a straight line, you can move on to changing the pace of walking, turning and stopping. Before each stop, change of direction or pace, the command “near” should be used as a sign to the dog of changes in traffic conditions.

Using bait

This compromise method can be used for puppies and affectionate dogs of non-guard breeds, but it does not guarantee that the dog will strictly follow the command in the future.

Video about using bait

The principle of the method is simple - you lure the dog after you with bait - a treat or a favorite toy. The dog should be at your left leg, the leash should not be taut. Simply hold the desired treat in your hand and hold it at nose level so your dog can smell the scent, and move on.

If it follows the bait, praise it. Then stop and give the command “sit.”

If the pet complies with the command, praise it and give it a treat, pet it.

Helper Methods

Additional tricks may come in handy to solve difficulties you may encounter when practicing a command.

Movement along the wall.

Indispensable if the dog has difficulty moving next to you and is actively trying to move away from you to the side. In this case, you need to find a flat wall (fence) along which to conduct training.

In this case, the dog is between you and a flat vertical surface and its movements to the sides are limited - all that remains is to use a leash to regulate the correct position so that the dog does not run ahead or lag behind.

Training using special collars.

When exposed to a special collar, the dog causes a feeling of discomfort or pain, from which it tries to get rid of it and takes the position you require.

Strict collar usually consists of individual links or plates equipped with spikes curved inward. When the leash is pulled, the strict collar tightens, pressing its spikes onto the skin of the animal’s neck.

String collar To avoid unnecessary injury to the dog's skin, the snare collar must be worn correctly: higher than a regular collar, almost immediately behind the animal's ears.
A choke collar is a loop made of various materials that tightens when the leash is pulled, causing discomfort and subsequent weakening of the dog's pressure on the collar.
The electronic collar responds to your command given using a special remote control, influencing the dog in one of the following ways: sound, vibration or a weak electric current. Learn more about electronic collars from the article

All special collars require special care in use and before using them, it is better to consult with a training specialist who will help you choose equipment specifically for your pet, taking into account its characteristics and the required level of impact.

How to train a dog to the command “Near!”: three training options

How to teach the command “Near” and make the dog calmly move “foot in foot” with the owner? How to act so that the dog does not run ahead, does not lag behind and does not pull on the leash? Do you want to walk your dog freely? Then you need to start training.

In the process of learning the command “Near!” your task is to restrain the dog's innate instinct for freedom. While moving together, it is necessary to hold the dog, not allowing it to deviate from the given direction. You need to develop a conditioned reflex to the command “Near!” for the dog, after which it should immediately take the appropriate correct position near the owner (it is necessary that the dog’s shoulder blade is in the area of your knee).

Determine from which side it will be convenient for you to control the dog’s movements - on the right or on the left. When keeping a dog in an urban environment, the ideal option is for the dog to be able to move equally correctly on both the owner’s left and right legs.

Before teaching your dog the command “Near!”, stock up on his favorite treats. Be prepared for the fact that in the first lessons the learning process will be difficult, since the dog moves faster than a person and is much more willing to run next to you, sometimes moving away to sniff the area.

There are three training options for teaching your dog the “Near!” command. Which one to use is up to the owner to decide.

First training option. Place the dog to your left (right) and fasten a short (1.5 m) leash to the collar. Take it in your right (left) hand 30-40 cm from the collar (hold your hand freely so that, if necessary, the leash slides in it, giving the dog the opportunity to make mistakes - arbitrarily change the direction of movement), and in your left (right) - a treat. Let the dog smell the treat (just don’t feed it), then clearly, loudly, and with the intonation of an order, give the dog the command “Near!” and start moving immediately. Reward the dog with a treat after 5-10 steps (in the future, do such rewards after an increasing number of steps).

Second training option. If you reward your dog with treats only at the end of the route, use sharp jerks with the leash to correct his movements. To do this, you need to learn the technique of performing jerks. Remember the main thing - you should not pull the leash (if it is tight, the dog tends to move forward even more), but make either a single quick and sharp jerk, or a series of such jerks followed by loosening the leash. If the dog deviates from the direction of movement, immediately give the command “Near!” and at the same time make a sharp jerk with the leash. The dog must clearly understand that any distance from your leg will result in unpleasant sensations.

Third training option. Give the dog the opportunity to run forward (until the leash is fully tensioned) and wait for his further actions. If the dog turns around, looks at you and comes back, be sure to reward him with a treat, a pat and an exclamation of “Good!” After that, start moving again and do the same every time the dog leaves you.

If the dog takes the correct position, do not forget to reward him with a treat and the exclamation “Good!” This is exactly what you should do always and as often as necessary. As a result of training, only the command “Near!” (without jerking the leash) should warn the dog about possible troubles in case of incorrect behavior.

Remember about the individual characteristics of the dog (a calm and small dog will not need very strong jerks, but an active and large one will require additional effort).

At the end of the training, start practicing the “Near!” command. After moving confidently with the dog in a straight line, begin to practice turning in different directions, at different angles, in a circle, moving in an arc, zigzag, with changes in tempo.

The right age to start dog training

Although the command seems simple at first glance, it is a very difficult element to learn for an animal. You need to start training only when your pet is six months old, although an earlier age, starting from two and a half months, is suitable for training other commands. Earlier, you should not start training an animal specifically for this command, since he is still just small and such a science will be stressful for him, and he will not want to learn.

By the age of six months, the puppy should already know well what a leash is and also be able to walk on a leash. At the same time, you must firmly understand that stretching away from the owner during a walk or resting with all four paws is also prohibited. It is not recommended to use sharp shouts with puppies under six months of age, for the simple reason that when training a dog, a harsher tone and the use of force to some extent may be necessary.

How accurately and confidently the owner feels when training his pet, the command will be easy and accessible during training. It will take three to four lessons to teach a dog to walk near its own leg. Afterwards, it will be necessary to continuously consolidate this skill.

How to teach a dog a nearby command

The first thing to do for training is to choose the right place. It is best to choose an area that is familiar to the dog. It is important to choose a time when there will be no other animals present that can distract your pet.

Before starting training, choose a convenient place for training.

Before starting training, you need to thoroughly walk your dog. Going for a run at the stadium, leaving the poles, and letting them swim is an ideal start to the lesson.

Later exercises can be carried out in front of other animals or people. At this stage, it is important that the pet is not distracted by noises, smells and sounds, continuing to move strictly nearby.

There are several ways to teach a dog the “near” command, each of which is suitable in specific situations.

Old school - "jerk"

With this technique, the owner must be able to do two things: make the correct jerk and catch the moment at which the command should be given. You need to make the shortest and sharpest jerk possible. The command is given one moment before, clearly and confidently. The purpose of the jerk is to put maximum pressure on the dog, to “hit” it. In this way, the animal develops a reflex to the command. Subsequently, the animal will perfectly follow the command.

From the beginning the command is made, then a jerk is made.

In practice it looks like this. The owner commands “nearby”, makes a jerk and moves at the same instant. The leash is held 30 cm from the carbine with your left hand. As long as the dog is moving as it should, you should walk without interfering with the process. If the leash only gets tight, you need to repeat the command and make a jerk. If the dog moves correctly, it should be praised.

Over time, a reflex to the command is developed, so there is no need to make a jerk. At the training stage, you must strictly follow the instructions. The effectiveness of training can be increased if you use not an ordinary collar, but a strict one with spikes inside.

Attention! When buying a parfors, you should tell the seller the type of wool and breed of the animal so that he can select the characteristics of the teeth correctly.

Delicacy

Another teaching method is to use tidbits. To do this, you need to hold the treat in front of the dog's nose - she will try to take it away. After this, they give the command “near” and begin to move, moving their hand forward. The dog follows her. While moving, you should give a little food and praise your pet. The animal will not pay attention to anything other than food. Gradually, you can give treats less often, increasing the intervals of passage without treats.

Attention! It is very important to constantly praise the animal, even for the slightest achievements. At the end of the exercise, you must use a gesture indicating the end of the workout.

Food reinforcement for the team nearby

Reinforcement is necessary for any command, including when teaching the “nearby” command. When a puppy just begins to learn to walk on a leash, you need to immediately teach him to move around on command. When doing the right things, you need to give a treat. At first, the puppy should move for food. You can’t give it away, you just need to praise the dog. Repeat the workout three times a day, for 10 minutes.

Reward your dog with treats.

It is very important to reward with EITHER words OR treats. Both incentives should not be used at the same time.

How to teach a dog to walk next to you without a leash

You should start learning to walk side by side without a leash only when the dog has learned to confidently walk side by side on a leash, without straining it and maintaining the required position.

To practice walking side by side without a leash, make the leash longer and give a command when the pet walks on a loose leash.

Gradually increase the distance; when the distance exceeds 5 meters, call the dog with the command “come to me”, and only then give the command “near”. And don’t forget to reward with praise, affection or treats.

Photo: Scoutdogs (Chris)

When your pet masters the “near” command from a distance of 5 meters, you can begin practicing the command at a distance when the dog walks without a leash.

However, remember that mastering walking side by side without a leash does not mean that you can eliminate walking on a leash - the dog may gradually become spoiled and stop maintaining the distance and the necessary position in space.

How should a dog follow the command “Near!”

From the outside, the pet’s movement should look like this: as if it is “stuck” to the trainer’s left leg and moves at the same speed as the owner, without overtaking or falling behind him. If this is a puppy, then there is no need to demand that he strictly follow the order.

At the moment of stopping, the dog must also stop and sit exactly next to the trainer’s left leg. It is important not to miss this moment during training: the pet must understand that when the owner stops, he (the pet) must sit quietly next to him and wait for the next command.

How much time to devote to training

In the first stages of training, this command should be practiced for no more than 10 minutes per training session. Gradually increase this time to 20 minutes.

Try to combine several commands at each lesson so that the dog does not get bored and lose interest in learning.

When your pet has completely mastered this task, you can arrange small training sessions on each walk. But this option is acceptable only if the dog does not experience discomfort when executing the command.

Conditions for successful training

It makes sense to start after the puppy has learned to walk on a leash and has recognized the owner’s leadership. The dog's age also plays a role. Since training uses negative reward signals, or, more simply, punishment, the puppy should not be very small. So, to successfully master the “nearby” command, you need to:

training took place in a quiet, uncrowded place to reduce the number of stimuli distracting the dog;
the dog must be on a leash. For large dogs, dog handlers recommend a jerk chain, which provides a sufficient degree of impact but does not injure the puppy;
the owner was calm and serious;
The puppy had a good walk and was calm. Even for trained dogs, this command causes psychological discomfort if given at the beginning of a walk;
Training at the initial stage should take 15 minutes. Gradually increase the time to 30 minutes. Exercising too long will tire your dog and reduce his interest and concentration.

Dog handlers pay special attention to punishment. If the dog runs too fast or lags behind, or incorrectly follows the command, then a noticeable jerk follows as punishment. Not a pull-up, but a jerk directed to the side or up from the trajectory of movement. Experts explain this by saying that pulling the leash toward the owner stimulates resistance in the dog, and the dog pulls on the leash even more.

Possible errors and problems

When training, mistakes are possible, the admission of which complicates training or makes it incorrect.

Jerk before the command is given. He knocks the dog down and doesn’t make it clear what they want from him.
Driving a dog on a tight leash. Execution of the “nearby” command must be carried out on a loose leash, and subsequently without it, otherwise the dog will get used to the constant feeling of tension on the collar and will begin to consider this the norm.

Photo: Scott 97006

Giving a command with different intonation. The dog will not be able to remember all your intonations and associate them with a specific command, and a rude tone may even frighten him.
Repeating the command when the dog walks nearby. If the dog follows a command, it should not be repeated again. This way, the pet can associate repeated issuance of a command with the norm and will carry it out only on a double command.
The position of the dog when walking side by side is half a length forward/backward. This position of the dog makes it difficult for him to give other commands with a gesture, and also slows down the pet’s reaction to changing traffic conditions.
Parallel study of different commands. It is difficult for an animal to learn several commands at once; it is worth practicing them one by one.
Punishment for failure to follow commands. When teaching a dog commands, it is strictly not recommended to raise your voice or physically punish it. In this case, your pet’s training will be associated with negative emotions and will become ineffective.

Photo: Virginia State Parks Raising a dog is a labor-intensive process that requires patience and time, but the result can not only ensure its safety and save you stress, but also make your pet a well-deserved source of pride.

Requirements and functionality of the command

When correctly executing the “Nearby” command, the dog should be at a small distance (equal to the width of the croup) from the owner’s left leg so that its right shoulder blade is at the level of the person’s knee. This way the animal will not interfere with walking and limit maneuverability.

Exact execution of the command “Near!” necessary for service dogs during various competitions and demonstrations. It is required during Educational training and IPO-1. But, in addition, this command will be needed in everyday life in order to:

quickly and locally reduce physical activity;
create the basis for a group of close commands, which imply the movement of the dog close to the owner and a certain position of the pet relative to the trainer;
to protect the puppy and others when moving in a dense crowd or crossing a busy highway.

Of course, there are many more situations when it is required that the dog be close to the owner during movements and be able to quickly change positions when maneuvering. Therefore, it is worth spending time and effort to master and practice the command.

Briefly about the main thing

Choose a quiet and familiar place for the dog to train. Eliminate all distractions.
Take the treat that is most valuable to your pet. Do not try to offer the animal a treat that is not interesting to him.
If you are not sure that the dog will not run away during training, put your pet on a leash, but do not use it for training by jerking.
Using a treat, move the animal to the “near” position near your left knee, then praise the pet. Gradually increase the criteria and make the task more difficult: move forward, turn, stop, speed up or slow down. Also, you can learn the “target” command and use it to learn the “near” command. Subsequently, the target is removed and the dog independently carries out the command.

We hope that this article will help you in training your pet. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments. We wish you good luck in training your four-legged dogs!

Basic mistakes

Reward your dog when he is in front, to the side or behind your knee. Carefully monitor your pet's position in learning and performing the command. Only praise the animal when its shoulder blades are level with your left knee. If you encourage the wrong position, the dog will get used to walking around crookedly and incorrectly.
Attempts to physically influence the dog in order to correct an unclear position. Guide your dog to the correct position using treats only. Do not try to lean on the animal in any way with your foot or correct its position with your hands in order to correct the inaccuracy of the command. If you physically influence your pet, it will be much more difficult for him to remember the algorithm for executing the command, since your actions will confuse the animal.
Working with a distracted or tired animal. The results of training will appear only when the pet is fully involved in the work. If the dog is distracted during training, then find out and eliminate this reason. As a rule, an animal may become distracted due to lack of motivation, overwork, a large number of stimuli, or lack of understanding of the task. Choose a time for training so that your pet is in an alert state.
Rewarding the dog when it deviates from the “near” position. Learn to praise your pet only at the moment the command is executed, and not after. If you praise the dog verbally, after which it deviates from the position in anticipation of reward, return the pet to the correct position, and then give the treat.

How to choose a collar and leash for your pet?

There are a number of requirements for ammunition for huskies, shepherds and other breeds:

Such things should be made of soft materials. Otherwise, the puppy will be uncomfortable with them. There is no need to buy a large collar for your animal to grow into - such a product will be too uncomfortable for a small pet and he will not be able to train with it.
The length of the puppy's leash should be 1.5 meters. This will allow you to control his behavior in the early stages. The owner can then replace it with a longer one.
Accessories for walking animals should be made of comfortable, durable, non-slip materials. Dog owners should avoid silk products, tape measures that have uncontrolled stretch, and heavy harnesses. It will be uncomfortable for your pet to walk with them.

After purchasing ammunition, you need to put it in a dark, well-ventilated place for a while. This is necessary so that all foreign synthetic odors disappear from it. After this, the set must be shown to your pet. Let your puppy sniff and examine the collar and harness, but don't let him play with them.

Skill complication

It is quite logical that it is possible to complicate the skill of moving nearby only after the dog has learned to obey the command flawlessly.

Improvement is as follows:

changing the direction of movement;
turns in different directions;
change of pace (from walking to running and vice versa).

Important! Before making any changes, you must speak a command and sound a warning signal. :

when moving to the right, the animal is directed to the right;
when moving to the left, the pet is pulled back;
When moving in a circle, they turn over their right shoulder.

When the animal has learned to synchronize its movement with the movement of a person, it is taught to turn in place. The operating scheme is the same as described in the previous paragraph.

Subsequently, the animal is taught to work according to a gesture and without a leash.

In the first case, clamp the leash with your right palm. They begin to move as usual, but before giving the command they slap their left palm on the leg. Initially, the gesture is duplicated by voice and physical coercion. After some time (about five or six lessons) they do only the gesture.

Important! Correct execution of a command is rewarded with praise and treats.

To consolidate the execution of a skill by command and gesture, they alternate; simultaneous use is possible only to enhance the effect.

It is also necessary to gradually train your dog to walk alongside without a leash. At first the strap should just drag behind the animal. If the pet does not obey, then they menacingly say “Nearby” and confront the student by stepping on the rope or taking it in his hand and making a sharp jerk.

After some time, the leash is removed, and all the animal’s actions are controlled only by command or gesture. As necessary, work is carried out in more difficult conditions: noise, distracting objects, unusual surroundings, etc. They also increase travel time and distance covered.

Don’t forget to periodically reinforce good work with praise and treats.

Why teach your dog the “Near!” command?

In addition to convenience for the owner himself, knowledge of the command “Near!” It is also useful for the pet, especially if you have to walk the dog near the road or in crowded places. If the animal obediently walks next to the owner, he has complete control over it and no longer has to worry about possible eating of inedible foods, conflict with other animals or attacks on people, which is especially important for owners of large breed animals. In addition, precise execution of the command ensures high speed of movement during a walk, because the pet will no longer try to run to the side, and the owner will not have to waste time and effort restraining it. Even teenagers can walk with a well-trained dog.

Did you know? The raising of a paw by a male dog during urination indicates his desire to take a dominant position. The higher the mark he sets, the larger the area his scent will cover, which is what every dog actually strives for.

Requirements

Correct execution of a command by a dog is based on its movement clearly next to the owner, on the left side. The animal’s right front paw should be at the level of a person’s left leg, and at any walking pace. When changing the direction or speed of movement, the pet trained on the command will accept this, and in any case will remain close to the left leg, without running ahead or falling behind you. There is usually up to 20 cm of free space between a person and a dog.

Training place

The first classes should not last longer than ten minutes, but they should be carried out several times a day. Each new lesson should begin with a repetition of the previous one.

The training area should be deserted

Initially, you can start training your pet at home. Home workouts are the most effective, as they are carried out in a familiar environment and there are no external distractions.

Then training should be continued in an open space, in a well-known area, but with a minimum of irritating objects, other dogs.

Important! It is better to consolidate the skill where it is quite crowded. This way your pet will learn discipline in any environment.

Mr. Tail recommends: training methods

When arranging your home or apartment for the arrival of a puppy, you should take care of purchasing important but necessary things. These include: a bowl, a bed, toys, etc. Also, do not forget about the collar and leash or tape measure. And if the puppy meets the first with joy, then he will treat the second with distrust and sometimes with aggression. To prevent such trouble from happening, it is important not only to choose them correctly, but also for the owner to show strength of character and have knowledge on this issue.

First introduction

Puppies begin to be accustomed to wearing a collar from the first days of life. First, the breeder hangs multi-colored threads around the neck to distinguish them. Then they are replaced with light collars. At a later age, they are gradually accustomed to a leash. It is important to choose it correctly, following certain recommendations. These include the following points:

First, you should opt for the easy option. The maximum length of the leash should be 1.5 meters. There is no need to immediately buy a heavy leather one or a tape measure, this will be uncomfortable for the puppy and will complicate the process of getting used to it.
It is important that the size of the accessory matches the age of the pet. For little ones, puppy options made from light fabrics are selected. The volume of the harness or collar is also important so that it does not dangle, but at the same time does not put pressure or restrict movement.
An accessory just brought from the store should not be immediately put on your pet, because it has a foreign smell, which can frighten and cause a negative reaction on the part of the puppy. You need to wait a few days for the foreign aromas to dissipate.
First, it is advisable to let your pet smell the ammunition, thereby showing that there is nothing scary in these items. It is worth introducing new things gradually, without insisting if the baby resists.

It is important to teach your puppy to use a leash based on positive emotions. This is difficult, but possible if you carry out the process in a playful way. The fact is that, due to their age, children are very inquisitive and perceive restrictions on their freedom negatively. This can be dealt with with a lot of patience.

If you follow some recommendations, the process of accustoming to the accessory will proceed more calmly. Among the most significant are the following:

You need to train from 1.5-2 months of age. This is the most optimal period, since earlier the pet will not understand what they want from him, and later the process will be complicated by the developing disposition.
As soon as the puppy gets used to the collar and stops showing excessive interest in it, you should fasten the leash.
The first fitting of the leash should be short-term, only 2-3 minutes. At this time, it is worth switching the baby’s attention to the game, distracting him from the new thing. But you should not be allowed to chew or play with the accessory.
Gradually increase the time spent on a leash by several minutes daily.

Home schooling

A properly selected collar with a leash should not create inconvenience for the puppy, but also should not slip off. When you first fasten the tape, you need to make sure that it does not restrict movement, dangling freely. When the training time reaches about 20 minutes, you can go for a walk within the apartment, while following the baby, without strongly limiting the directions. In the following days, it is also worth increasing the time of walking indoors, giving the pet a little direction and limiting it.

The main rule in leash training is gradualism; you should not expect quick results. Rushing can cause a negative reaction and refusal to learn to walk on a leash. Therefore, the owner should be patient.

There are several techniques to teach your pet obedience.

Loyal way

Thanks to this method, the baby’s trust in the owner will be preserved, but it will require time and patience from the puppy’s owner. It is important to follow a certain sequence of actions:

Call the puppy to you by name, then attach the leash to the harness or collar. It is important to pet your pet and start moving. The baby is most likely to run in the opposite direction.
When the leash tape is pulled, the owner stops. It is important to reinforce in the dog’s understanding that the owner’s actions depend on his behavior.
You need to let the dog know that walking slowly along with a person is more effective than running, which is difficult to stop.
With each pull followed by a stop, you should wait until the pet looks at the owner. For this they give him a treat.
Now change direction and repeat all the above steps. Gradually, as the puppy learns, treats are replaced with stroking and verbal praise.

The hard way

It is based on strengthening reflexes and is suitable for older puppies (4 months and older). As soon as the pet jerks to the side, it is sharply pulled back. The leash is pulled with a jerk, but it is important not to cause pain to the baby, only discomfort. After a while, he will understand that it is unpleasant to run until the belt is tensioned and will begin to walk with it slack.

For puppies 5 months and older, you can purchase Parfos. This is a special collar with round teeth, which, when jerked, cause unpleasant sensations, but do not cut into the delicate skin of the pet. With such a collar the learning process will go faster.

Habit Formation

Regardless of which method is chosen for training, you should not get too carried away with monotonous walking. Due to his age and desire for outdoor games, the baby will have a protest and even a rebellion against such training, he will begin to resist. At first, it is enough to take a few dozen steps to understand whether the dog has understood the principle of walking on a leash or not. In addition, it is very important to build a trusting relationship with the puppy and establish mutual understanding. If this is not the case, the learning process will turn into agony and will drag on indefinitely.

If everything is done correctly, the animal has learned what is required of it, then after about 1-1.5 months it will develop a strong habit and the owner will be able to rejoice at a well-mannered and obedient puppy.

Walk

All dogs, even miniature breeds, need a full walk. Its time should be at least 1.5 hours. At the same time, time outside should be spent actively, with games, running, etc., and not slowly tramping around the house on a pedestrian path. Therefore, it is important to choose a route in advance.

When walking your pet, it is important to follow some rules so as not to incur the righteous wrath of neighbors and passers-by:

It is strictly prohibited to walk dogs of any size on playgrounds. Even a small dog, such as a Pomeranian, Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier, can be very frightening to small children. Therefore, you should avoid them.
When walking in the local area, be sure to clean up your pet’s excrement.
In places where people gather, large breed dogs (Asian Shepherd, Husky, Labrador, Rottweiler, etc.) are walked only on a leash and muzzle. It is important to be polite towards others, because even an intelligent and obedient dog can suddenly rush towards a passerby and scare or bite him. The fact that the owner loves his pet, and he loves you, does not apply to strangers at all. We need to remember this!

What not to do

The main principle in training is not to pull the leash. The jerking method is used by dog handlers and only with adult, dominant dogs. But not in every case.

It seems that besieging the dog with jerks is a great idea. But that's not true. The animal develops an algorithm in its head: the leash sag - jerk - pain. Trying to avoid the situation, the pet will pull on the ammunition as much as possible.

Additionally, the following points are taken into account:

“no” to blame, “yes” to praise: scolding makes the dog stay away from the person and pull the ammunition;
no excitement - the dog is distracted with a toy, command, treat and calmed down;
classes are stopped when the pet has done everything correctly - if you quit the exercise without achieving the desired action, the animal will think that refusal to obey is bringing the end of the lesson closer;
you need to wean off pulling on the leash in any situation - if you allow a prohibited action at least once, the dog will remember the “offence” and repeat it again.

Training doesn't work for some dogs. Usually these are overly dominant animals or pets with psychological disorders. In this case, they resort to the help of a dog handler.

It is sometimes very difficult to wean your dog from pulling on the leash. During exercise, walks last 2-3 times longer. But the time spent will more than pay off with calm walks, healthy nerves and intact joints.