How to Teach Your Dog to Walk Straight Ahead Using The ‘Straight Command’.

Now that you have the basic dog training commands under your belt and your dog will walk calmly by your side using the ‘Heel Command’, it’s time to teach your dog directions.

Having complete control of your dog is a dog owners’ responsibility, especially when out together in a public place, but communicating with your four-legged companion, so they understand what you want from them is also how you build a strong bond. Walking a dog, calmly beside you, in a ‘lose leash manner’ even if there are tempting distractions on your left or right, or you wish to go straight ahead, even if the natural path you’re on takes a left or right turn is one of the joys of pet ownership and for many people, one of the reasons they give for buying a dog in the first place. The dog’s the excuse to get outside and exercise.

This dog obedience training article will teach you how to train your dog to walk straight ahead, without being distracted, or follow a path that may veer left or right using the ‘Straight Command‘ by implementing positive reinforcement training techniques.

The following list is what we recommend you have handy for this dog training command session:

• Small sized, soft treats that are very tempting
• Clicker
• Collar
• Walking Leash, 1-2 Metres (4-7 Foot)
• Small quiet space with no distractions

If you don’t have, or prefer not to use a ‘clicker’, you can substitute it by using the word ‘yes’.

Dog training essentials available from Ezydog Australia

Steps to Teaching the ‘Straight Command’

Before we dive in, it’s worth noting or clarifying what we’d like from our dog after using this instruction.
Essentially, we want our dog to walk calmly, close to our left-hand side, at the same pace we’re walking and straight ahead, parallel with the direction you’re walking.

When teaching this dog training command, I’m going to assume you’ve already taught your dog to ‘Heel’. If not, you’ll find instructions for this contained in the article ‘Teach Your Dog To Heel‘.

1/ The first step in training this command is to take your dog on one of your walks that he’s/she’s familiar with. Start walking the same route, but then instead of turning left or right at that street, go straight ahead instead. Your dog, so familiar with the regular walk, may naturally take the direction he’s/she’s used to, so may veer as if on autopilot.

2/ When your dog naturally turns, say ‘Straight’ and keep walking. Your dog should correct any deviation and continue on the forward path with you. As soon as he/she does correct and continue, ‘mark’ the event with ‘Yes’ and reward with verbal praise ‘Good Boy/Girl’.

3/ Repeat this several times, taking alternative routes to what you’d normally walk.

4/ Often, and it should be encouraged, your dog will look to you for guidance and further instructions, or a treat. You are now ready to add a hand signal for ‘Straight’.

With your left arm (assuming your dog is on the left, you’ll be holding the leash with your right hand) straight and with an open palm to your leg, simply raise your arm pointing straight forward until it’s horizontal.

5/ This command is quite useful for when there’s upcoming distractions such as other people with their dogs. Use the ‘Straight Command’ to focus your dog on continuing to walk forward in a straight direction without veering to a side. As he/she does, say ‘Yes’ and reward with praise.

Always reward the motion of your dog’s body. A head tilt, glance or even a longer look from your dog is perfectly acceptable and natural, as long as they continue to walk calmly forward in a straight direction, after you have commanded it.

Tip: As you continue to practice, try to keep your hand as close to your body as possible so your hand is at your left hip. You want your dog to be next to you at all times, until you allow them to roam freely by using the ‘release’ word ‘Free’.

It’s a good idea to mix up the pace during ‘walkies’ too. Change your speed from a casual stroll to a quick, high cardio paced walk and everything in between.

Summary of How To Teach Your Dog The ‘Straight Command’

Remember consistency, practice and patience are the keys with all dog training. Some dogs, such as Beagles are more difficult to teach than others, because they love to sniff and follow their nose.

Some dogs that aren’t overly motivated by food treats (rare) will almost certainly take to cooked chicken pieces. However, I would strongly suggest finding a commercial option that works because apart from the expense, chicken is messy and doesn’t last very long out of a sealed container in the fridge. There are many brands and flavours to choose from these days, and many are made with healthy natural ingredients. I would also suggest using and rotating several different types, so your dog doesn’t become used to just one.

As I mentioned above, using a walking leash of between 1-2 metres is ideal. These leashes are used extensively for ‘obedience’ dog training disciplines so are readily available.
Most pet shops, located near you, listed on Pet Directory will have these in stock.

As you walk, give your dog some ‘down time’ by saying ‘free’ as a release word, allowing your dog to roam about freely to relieve themselves or have a good sniff, before resuming the heel position.
This command is ideal to use when out for a walk and people with other dogs are approaching, especially smaller dogs if your dog is larger. Being totally focused on you and your instructions is the key to avoiding distractions as you pass people to your right.

Having trouble, or have a question about getting your dog to walk straight forward when commanded?
Leave a comment for ‘Bear’ below and he’ll be happy to answer it for you, especially if you get his attention by using his name.

We at PetsBook also recommend getting out with your dog and join a training course.
Pet Directory has many local dog training businesses listed near you with experienced and accredited dog trainers ready to help you with dog obedience and dog command training.

» List of Dog Commands

Bear

Hi, I’m Bear, the Training Manager at PetsBook. With over 20 years experience using positive reinforcement dog training techniques, I’m proud to have the opportunity to help you develop a stronger bond with your fur baby, by teaching you useful commands with obedience training.