There are 3 steps and 3 phases to this command before you will proficient.  We will walk through all steps and phases so you and your dog understand what the expectation is.

Overview

Heel – come into position next to your side.

This command will teach your dog to come to your side and you will use this primarily for walking.  The Heel command is just a position (like a sit or down), it just tells them where to be at.

 

Step 1 – lure your dog into position

Choose what side your dog will walk on, and then with a treat in that hand, lure your dog behind you (step back with the same leg as the treat) and then step forward (feet back together) and lure your dog to the correct side.  Your dog will follow the lure to go behind you, then turn around and follow the treat back to your side (your calf and dog’s front leg should be close together).  Say Heel and reward the dog when they are in the correct spot.   Repeat this many times to teach your dog how to come into position.

 

Step 2 – lure your dog while taking 3-5 steps forward

While your dog is in the Heel position, lure them forward (walking with you) 3 to 5 steps then use your release (break) command, then reward.   You may choose to say Heel when your dog comes into position and 1 more time during the 3-5 steps.   This is teaching the dog to come into position and then stay in position until released.

 

Step 3 – lure your dog and turn around

Now that your calling the dog into position and taking several steps with them, now you are going to add a turn (and walk back to where you began).  This teaches your dog to follow you even if you make a corner or turn around to walk the other way.   Once you have done this many times, start randomly walking around the house and rewarding your dog for walking by your side.  You can call them into position, have them walk with you, and turn around when you do and stay by your side.

 

Phase 1 – Luring

In this phase, your hand and the dog’s snout need to be close as you are luring them into position, keeping them engaged when walking with you.   If your hand with the treat leaves the dog’s face area, you may see they stop following.  This is a crucial phase as your teaching the dog what gets them the treat.

 

 

Phase 2 – Intermittent Luring

In this phase, you want to start taking the treat away.  This means have a treat in the hand, but your hand isn’t in front of the dog’s face the entire time.  You only want to use the treat to lure if the dog stops or gets confused.  This phase you will be using your leash (as a guide) to help the dog maintain position and reward intermittently when they are offering you the Heel position.  (if the dog is staying in heel, reward them occasionally so they keep doing it)

 

 

Phase 3 – Reward upon Release

Your dog has been doing well with the Heel position and is understanding where to be.  Now you should be able to walk nicely with them (at least in a less distracting environment) and only rewarding (with food) upon the release. They know where to be, and being praised, rewarded when they are doing what you have asked.

 

During the entire steps/phases – you can be rewarding your dog verbally and giving praise.  You should do this when your dog is giving you effort (they are attempting to do it) as it will help them understand and want to keep going.

 

How to apply this from inside to outside:

Your dog has been doing well and now your ready to train outside.  Keep the process short to begin so you and your dog have the most success.  If you live in the suburbs (for example only) you can start your Heel command in your driveway and walk (in Heel) to the next driveway and then release the dog (give food, praise,love, reward).  Then ask the dog to come back into Heel and walk to next driveway and release them…  this keeps it short and gets the dog more rewards (they will want to pay attention to you more).  When this becomes to easy, do 2 driveways, then 3..4..etc until your dog will Heel with you upon asking.

Potty and sniffing time:

If your dog is Heeling well, and you think they need to potty or want to give them time to sniff (as a reward), you must release them before they go off on their own.  This is crucial as your dog needs to know your giving them this time to take a break.  Once this time is complete, call them back to you and ask them to Heel again.

These small things add up to a lot by the end of the day and your dog will love you for it.  You will love that your dog is listening so well and will be much more enjoyable for all.