Traditionally, dogs heel on the left side, especially for competitions, because it frees the handler's dominant right hand for signals or tools, a practice rooted in historical uses like hunting. However, training a dog to heel on the right side, or even both sides, offers practical flexibility for avoiding traffic or other people, so the best choice depends on your lifestyle, though consistency is key.
When working with a dog it is assumed that the handler would want their right hand (typically the stronger, more dominant hand,) free. By using the left hand to hold the leash, this leaves the handler's right side unimpeded. So the dog is traditionally heeled /walked on the left.
Teaching your dog how to walk beside you is crucial for walks and dog sports. In rally and obedience, the 'Heel' position is typically on your left side.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Tips for Calming Your Dog Naturally
The hardest "commandment" (command) to teach a dog is often considered Recall ("Come"), due to powerful natural instincts to explore or play, followed by impulse control commands like "Leave It/Drop It", and complex obedience actions like the "Finish" (positioning at the handler's side) or "Heel", requiring intense focus and self-control, especially with distractions like other dogs or interesting sights/smells.
The definition of heel is for your dog to be at your left side, walking parallel to you with no more than six inches between you. The right side of your dog's head is lined up with your left leg.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs most commonly refers to either potty training for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision, or a cycle of 10 min outside/10 min inside) or the 80/10/10 raw feeding diet (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organs) for a natural diet; it can also refer to a nutrition guideline where treats are 10% of calories, or a rest rule (10 mins rest per hour of play). The specific meaning depends on the context, but all promote consistency, balance, and understanding canine needs.
The "5-second rule" for walking dogs is a safety test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement; if you can't hold it there for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws, risking burns, so walk early/late or on grass. This applies to asphalt, sand, concrete, and dirt, as these surfaces absorb and radiate intense heat, potentially leading to paw pad burns and heatstroke in dogs.
Cobbing in dogs is a gentle nibbling behavior, often with the front teeth, resembling a human eating corn off a cob; it's usually a sign of affection, grooming, or a way to get attention, stemming from puppyhood bonding, but can also signal boredom or anxiety if excessive, and is generally harmless unless it becomes intense or painful.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
Being in heel position, for my puppy – or dog, means to be next to me on my left side with her neck/shoulder area in line with the seam of my pants. If I'm standing still, my dog will sit calmly to me, unless or until I tell her to lie down or stand; if I'm moving, she will move along with me, at my pace.
Early kidney failure often shows subtle signs that pet parents might miss. Mild symptoms include slightly increased thirst and urination, occasional decreased appetite, and mild weight loss over time. Your dog might seem a bit less energetic but still engage in normal activities.
I prefer to train dogs to heel to the left because I think walking on the left side of the road and seeing approaching traffic is safer. If you walk your dog on the right side of the road, traffic will be approaching you from behind.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Traditionally, a heel is on your left side, however some people prefer their dog heels on their right side. The side you teach your dog to heel on is completely up to you, but if you ever plan on competing in obedience or other dog sports, it's best to train them to heel on your left.
I like to do a mix of " parlour tricks " and tricks that have value in real world applications.
The "3 C's of dog training" aren't universal, but common interpretations focus on Criteria, Consequences, Consistency, essential for operant conditioning, or on handler mindset as Calm, Clarity, Consistency, emphasizing clear communication and emotional regulation for effective learning and a strong bond, with other versions highlighting Control, Calm, Connection. Essentially, they all boil down to clear, consistent, and emotionally grounded training methods for success.
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
Selecting your veterinary team
Often, these clinics will attempt to limit noise that could stress out pets, play calming music, examine dogs on the floor, where they feel less stressed, instead of on an exam table and more.