How To Teach The "Heel" Command

Teaching your dog the “heel” command helps them walk close to your side, maintain a loose leash, and stay focused on you. When your dog knows how to heel, it’s easier to control them in crowded areas or during moments when precision and focus are important. The heel position requires your dog to walk beside your left leg (or right, if preferred) without pulling or drifting. 

 

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Start training in a distraction-free environment like your living room, backyard, or a quiet street. This helps your dog focus on learning the command without getting overwhelmed by distractions.

1. Keep it simple at first: Your dog will be more successful in a quiet space, which sets the stage for later success in busier environments.
2. Practice in short sessions: Training in 5–10 minute increments will help keep your dog engaged and prevent frustration.

 

Step 2: Use a High-Value Treat

To teach the heel position, you’ll need a high-value treat (something your dog loves and finds irresistible). The treat acts as a lure to guide your dog into the correct position beside you.

1. Hold the Treat at Your Side: Hold the treat in the hand closest to the side where you want your dog to walk (usually your left hand). Keep your hand low and close to your leg.
2. Lure Your Dog into Position: Let your dog follow the treat as you guide them to walk next to you in a straight line. As they move to the right position beside your leg, mark the behaviour with a verbal marker like “yes” or use a clicker, and then reward with the treat.

 

Step 3: Introduce the “Heel” Cue

Once your dog starts to follow the treat and walk beside you consistently, it’s time to introduce the verbal cue “heel.”

1. Say “Heel”: As your dog walks beside you, say the word “heel” in a clear, upbeat tone. Make sure to say it when they are already in the correct position beside you.
2. Mark and Reward: When your dog stays at your side for a few steps, immediately mark the behaviour (with “yes” or a clicker) and give them a treat.
3. Repeat Often: Practise the heel position with frequent treats to reinforce the command. Repeat the cue every time they move into the right position.

 

Step 4: Practise Walking in Short Bursts

Once your dog understands what “heel” means, begin taking a few steps while keeping them in the heel position. Use the treat to guide them as you move.

1. Start with a Few Steps: Take a few steps forward, keeping the treat low and your dog walking close to your side. Mark the behaviour and give a treat after a few successful steps.
2. Gradually Increase Distance: As your dog improves, increase the number of steps before rewarding them. Keep sessions short but repeat frequently to reinforce the behaviour.
3. Use Praise: Along with treats, add verbal praise to encourage your dog to stay by your side.

 

Step 5: Add Distractions Gradually

Once your dog is heeling well in a quiet environment, slowly introduce distractions to ensure they stay focused on the command even in more stimulating environments.

1. Start with Mild Distractions: Practise in the backyard or a quiet park before moving to busier areas like sidewalks or parks with more people and dogs.
2. Reward Heavily in New Settings: Use high-value treats and consistent praise when your dog maintains the heel position despite distractions.
3. Increase the Challenge: Gradually expose your dog to more challenging environments, such as crowded areas or places with other dogs.

 

Step 6: Transition from Treats to Praise

Once your dog has mastered the heel command with the help of treats, gradually reduce the frequency of treats and rely more on praise and rewards like a favourite toy or a brief play session.

1. Fade the Treats: Start giving treats less frequently, such as every few steps instead of every step. Over time, treat your dog only for particularly challenging situations or excellent behaviour.
2. Use Praise: Continue using verbal praise like “good job” or “yes” to maintain motivation. You can also reward your dog with other life rewards, like allowing them to sniff or explore as a break.

 

Step 7: Correct Gently When Necessary

If your dog drifts too far ahead or lags behind while walking, use gentle corrections to guide them back into the heel position.

1. Stop and Reset: If your dog moves too far forward or behind, stop walking and reset. Call them back to your side using the “heel” command.
2. Redirect with the Leash: If needed, use the leash to gently redirect your dog into position without pulling or yanking.

 

Step 8: Practise Consistently

As with any behaviour, consistency is key. Practise the “heel” command on every walk, even if only for short stretches, to reinforce the behaviour. Over time, your dog will associate walking beside you with positive experiences, making leash pulling a thing of the past.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• If Your Dog is Distracted: If your dog is easily distracted during training, go back to a quieter environment and build up their focus before trying again in a more challenging setting.
• If Your Dog Pulls Ahead: Stop walking immediately if your dog pulls ahead and only resume when they return to the heel position.
• If Your Dog is Not Responding to Treats: Make sure you’re using high-value treats that your dog finds rewarding. If your dog is still not responding, it could be a sign they are overstimulated or distracted.

 

Why "Heel" is Important

• Control and Focus: Teaching your dog to heel improves their focus on you and makes it easier to control them in busy or challenging environments.
• Improved Leash Manners: Once your dog knows the heel position, they are far less likely to pull, making walks more enjoyable for both of you.
• Safety: Heel training ensures that your dog stays close to you, which is important for navigating crowds, crossing streets, or walking in areas with potential hazards.

 

Conclusion

Teaching your dog the “heel” command is a great way to ensure they walk calmly by your side, no matter where you are. With consistent practice, patience, and the right rewards, your dog will learn to stay focused on you, making walks more enjoyable and controlled. The key is starting in a quiet environment and gradually increasing the difficulty as your dog masters the basics. With time, your dog will understand that walking calmly beside you in the heel position leads to positive rewards and a better walking experience.