Why We Heel Dogs on the Left
I was taught even as far back as the 60's to walk my dog on the left. I never really questioned this or asked why. Many clients have asked me this question so I decided to do some digging and research on the origin and history of heeling dogs on the left.
I first searched all of my dog training books but came up with nothing in terms of the historical reason for heeling on the left. All my books only referred to teaching the heel on the left.
So I began my search on the Internet and came up with the following explanations and theories/guesses.
Some say it is rooted in the fact that 80% of the world population is right handed so heeling the dog on the left side makes sense so we can keep our right hand free.
The most convincing theory that I found was that it is rooted in hunting history. Most hunters carry and use their weapon with their right hand. So for the safety of the dogs they were put to the hunter's left side.
One of the most interesting but least probable explanations that I dug up is that in the wolf world the Alpha wolf moves ahead and to the right of the pack. I am not so sure about this one. But it is interesting.
AKC dog obedience trials require that the dog heel on the left. I teach most clients to heel on the left but allow people to chose the side they want. I don't think the dog much cares which side it heels on but it can be confusing if you have a class of 15 dogs and half are heeling on the right and the other half on the left.
So the next time I am asked "why do we heel the dog on the left?" I will simply say, "Its because most of us are right handed".
If you have any better explanations or historical references please send them to me and I will publish them. | 
Spring is finally here! After 21 days of rain in March its time to get the dogs out and enjoy the sunshine! 
