Does it matter what side a dog walks on?

Question

Does it matter what side a dogs walks on as he walks with you? Is it wrong that he walks on the right side? Why or why not? Why is the left side recommended?

Answer 1

The left is just where they're supposed to traditionally heel at.



My dog walks on my right. I have bad knees, hips and a bad shoulder and with everything combined, I have simply found it easier to walk all of my dogs to my right.



If your dog is well behaved on the leash, it really doesn't matter where he walks.

Answer 2

In the competition obedience ring the dog must heel on the left side. That's an interesting bit of history - I never knew that! Sorry; I can't confirm if it's true or not. Other than that, it doesn't matter which side. However, considering that most people are right handed, it makes more sense to walk the dog on the left as the handle of the lead is carried in the right hand and a loop of lead in the left hand, closest to the dog. Multiple dogs of course are a different situation. Many trainers have had success in teaching two dogs to heel in brace (next to each other on a coupler or separate leads), but three would be too many. So it's fine what you're doing. I would switch it up now and then to get all the dogs used to walking on both sides. I hope this is helpful! P.S. I usually walk my dog on the left but I try to walk her on the right sometimes too because we compete in agility and agility dogs must be comfortable on both sides. We also compete in obedience so that makes things complicated.

Answer 3

Yes and no.



It matters what side you train the dog on if you are planning to compete in obedience trials. It also matters if you are using a choke chain, which has a correct way to put on the dog depending on what side the dog is walking on. Any other collar is not directional-dependent so you can feel free to walk dogs on either side. If you plan to compete in sports like agility, it is encouraged to train the dog on both sides.



Do you know why the left side is traditional? Most early obedience was developed by military dog trainers. Since most people are right handed and the military and law enforcement folks like to keep their "gun hand" free, the dogs were trained to walk on the left - the side away from the gun side.

Answer 4

If Your Walking By The Road Make Sure Your Closer To The Road. Your Smart Enough Not To Run Into The Road. The Dog Might Run In The Road.

Answer 5

The left side is traditional. I usually let mine walk on either side as he wishes, so long as he stays on that side.

When I make the choice for him, I choose the right side...why?

Cuz I walk on the right hand side of the sidewalk and I do not wish for my dog to interfere with someone approaching me on the same walkway.

Answer 6

This depends on what you are doing with the dog. Proper heeling, as in obedience competition, is the dog on your left side. But in agility, the dog has to learn to be on either side of you. For walks, my dog can be any place she pleases, as long as she is not pulling the lead tight.

Answer 7

In showing we keep our dogs on our LEFT side. Although I have mine used to either side of me. I practice on both.

If your dog isn't a show dog then it doesn't matter. Just make sure your dog is safe and not near the road when you are taking walks.

Answer 8

Keep your dog happy and let it walk on which ever side it chooses, as long as it is walking with you. When walking a dog its just respectful of others to keep yourself between your dog and passerbys, this can be achieved regardless of which side your dog walks on.

Answer 9

Many of us dual heel train our dogs, and no, it is a matter of personal choice, even in competition. Over the years I have handled several dogs that were right side trained in shows.

The reason it is normal to heel them on the left is because a right handed hunter would have his shotgun in his right hand.

My training partner is left handed and has alway trained his dogs to heel on the right side.

Answer 10

Unless you are showing your dog in a dog show it doesnt matter.

Answer 11

because when you show a dog for obedence they heel on the left and want to grow a habit of it.

Answer 12

I guess it just depends on ur pets personal prefference. just let him/her choose what side to walk on

Answer 13

nope. it really doesn't matter.