Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most beneficial skills you can work on, and it goes far beyond simply having a more enjoyable walking experience. Sure, it’s nice to have a dog that doesn’t pull you down the street, but the process of teaching heel actually builds a strong foundation in communication, engagement, and overall obedience—things that will improve your relationship with your dog in every aspect of training and daily life.
Why Heel Is Such a Valuable Skill
At its core, the heel position means your dog is walking beside you, matching your pace, and paying attention to your movements. This prevents pulling, lunging, and general chaos on the leash, but it also serves deeper purposes:
• It builds engagement. Your dog learns to check in with you, rather than being distracted by everything around them.
• It creates structure and clarity. Dogs thrive on clear communication and predictable patterns, both of which are reinforced through heel training.
• It reduces stress. Pulling on the leash isn’t just frustrating for you—it’s stressful for the dog. Teaching heel gives them a clear job and helps them settle into a calmer state of mind.
• It prevents injury. Constant pulling can put strain on your dog’s neck and spine, especially if they’re wearing a collar. A proper heel eliminates that risk.
Many people don’t realize that leash pulling is often a symptom of frustration and overstimulation. A dog that pulls relentlessly is usually in a heightened state of arousal, reacting to every smell, movement, or noise. Teaching heel brings structure to the walk, which helps the dog focus and relax.
Step 1: Introducing Heel with Food and Positive Reinforcement
Before introducing the leash, we want to teach the dog where heel position is and why it’s rewarding to be there. This is best done with food and engagement exercises.
1. Get your rewards ready. Use high-value treats—something your dog is excited about.
2. Pick a side. Traditionally, heel is taught on the left, but you can choose either side. Just be consistent.
3. Lure into position. Stand with your dog in front of you, then use a treat to lure them to your chosen side. When they align next to you, mark (“yes” or click) and reward.
4. Take small steps. Once your dog understands where to be, take a step forward while luring them along. If they stay in position, mark and reward.
5. Add movement. Gradually increase the number of steps before rewarding. If your dog drifts away, reset and try again.
At this stage, the goal is simply to make being in the heel position rewarding and natural. You want your dog to think, Wow, walking here is awesome!
Step 2: Adding Leash Pressure as a Secondary Tool
Once your dog understands that heel is a good place to be, we introduce leash pressure—not as a correction, but as guidance. Many dogs have an instinctive opposition reflex, meaning they naturally resist pressure. Teaching them to yield to leash pressure helps them move with you instead of against you.
1. Apply gentle leash pressure. If your dog drifts out of position, apply light pressure on the leash in the direction you want them to go.
2. Reward for yielding. The moment they move with the pressure, mark and reward.
3. Stay consistent. Over time, your dog will learn that following leash pressure leads to rewards and clear guidance.
The leash should not be used as a crutch—if you find yourself constantly pulling your dog into position, go back to step one and reinforce engagement with food. The leash is simply a communication tool to help clarify expectations.
Step 3: Building Engagement and Focus
A true heel isn’t just about physical position—it’s about engagement. Your dog should be actively paying attention to you, not just mindlessly walking at your side.
Ways to build engagement during heel training:
• Frequent rewards. In the early stages, reward often to keep your dog interested. Slowly phase out treats as they get better.
• Eye contact exercises. Mark and reward whenever your dog looks up at you while walking. This reinforces focus.
• Change direction frequently. Make sudden turns and stops to keep your dog mentally engaged. If they’re tuning out, they’ll quickly realize they need to pay attention.
Step 4: Proofing Heel with Distractions
Once your dog can heel well in a quiet environment, start adding distractions. Many dogs struggle when moving from the backyard to a busy street, so take it slow.
1. Start small. Begin with mild distractions, like a person standing nearby. Reward your dog for staying in position.
2. Increase difficulty. Work up to more challenging environments, like walking past another dog or through a crowded area.
3. Reinforce good decisions. If your dog sees a distraction but chooses to stay in heel, mark and reward heavily.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
• Dog forges ahead: Stop walking. Reset and reinforce engagement before moving again.
• Dog lags behind: Use a happy voice and quick movements to encourage them forward.
• Dog loses focus: Increase rewards, use more engagement drills, and train in a lower-distraction area before trying again.
The Long-Term Benefits of Heel
Heel training does more than just improve leash manners—it transforms your dog’s overall behavior. A structured walk provides mental stimulation, reduces stress, and strengthens your bond. Many behavioral issues, such as leash reactivity and frustration-based pulling, improve dramatically once a dog learns to walk calmly and engage with their handler.
Teaching your dog to heel is a game-changer. It makes walks more enjoyable, strengthens your communication, and helps your dog feel calmer and more balanced. Start with positive reinforcement, add leash pressure as guidance, and be patient—your dog will thank you for it.
