Finding Left from Right Proximity Vortex
Week 4
Introduction
As puppies begin learning how to move with us on leash, we can start shaping a more consistent walking position on either our left or right side. This stage builds on the earlier exercise where we toss a treat behind us, mark when the puppy turns back, and reinforce the steps they take walking with us.
In this lesson we begin encouraging the puppy to settle into a controlled position beside us while moving. The goal is not a perfect heel — it’s simply helping the puppy understand where to be while walking together.
Quick Notes
Before adding a walking word, make sure your puppy already understands the basic pattern of turning toward you and taking a few steps with you. From there, you can begin building a consistent walking position on the side that makes the most sense for your goals.
Start by reviewing the treat toss behind you, then mark and reinforce when your puppy turns back and walks with you.
Begin encouraging your puppy into a controlled position near your side.
This does not have to be a perfect heel position.
You can teach your puppy to walk on either the left or right side.
If you have future goals in obedience, rally, or dog sports, teaching the left side first may make the most sense.
Keep the leash gathered in the hand opposite your puppy.
Have plenty of treats ready so you can reinforce often.
Mark the steps your puppy takes with you as they stay in position.
If your puppy gets jumpy or grabs treats too hard, place the treat on the ground by your foot instead of feeding from your hand.
Ground delivery can help reduce jumping and make the exercise calmer.
Once your puppy understands the position, begin adding your walking cue, such as “Let’s go.”
Use whatever walking word feels natural and easy for you to repeat consistently.
Demonstration
Class Experience
Instructor Demonstration
In the demonstration, Susan works with a puppy to show how the exercise flows.
First, a treat is tossed behind the puppy. When the puppy turns back toward the handler, the handler marks the behavior and begins walking, reinforcing the puppy for each step taken together.
The instructor demonstrates how to reinforce the puppy for remaining near the handler while moving. When the puppy becomes excited and begins jumping for food, the instructor calmly places the treat on the ground next to the foot instead of feeding from the hand. This keeps the puppy in position and reduces jumping.
Once the puppy understands the pattern, the instructor adds the walking cue:
“Let’s go.”
The puppy is then reinforced for walking calmly alongside Susan while responding to the new cue.
Practice at home!
Practice this exercise by rewarding your puppy when they step onto their boundary mat and encouraging them to settle and relax there.
If your puppy lies down, reward them calmly and continue reinforcing that relaxed behavior. After a short period, use your release word and allow them to leave the mat. Then watch to see if they choose to return on their own.
Short practice sessions help your puppy learn that the boundary mat is a comfortable and rewarding place to relax.
Place your puppy next to your side where they would normally walk and reward them for staying there. Then introduce a small distraction and give the cue “No Pull.” When your puppy looks back to you and releases tension on the leash, reward them at your side.
As your puppy improves, practice in different rooms of your house.
Dogs do not automatically understand that a behavior applies everywhere, so practicing in multiple locations helps them learn the rule in new environments.
Upload a video
Be sure to send us a video demonstrating this behavior as well so we can give you personalized training advice with our virtual video service.