“Heel” is a position in relation to the handler, where the dog’s front legs line up with the handler’s front legs. In order to teach heel, the dog must also know “Sit.” The sit command allows us to break heeling up in to small pieces so that the dog can succeed.
Walking Position
This is your starting position, and the position you will maintain while moving with your dog. Have your right thumb in the handgrip of the leash. Fold 2-3 feet of leash up and hold it in the right hand with the handgrip. Hang both hands naturally by your side. When the dog is in heel position, the leash should form the shape of the letter “J” and go across your body from the dog to your right hand.
Sit Drill
- Bring your right hand towards your belly button, and grab the middle of the leash with your left hand.
- While still holding the handgrip and extra slack, grab the leash just above the snap (at your dog’s collar) with your right hand.
- Let go of the left hand.
- Give the “Sit” command.
- Pull straight up with the leash, and slide your left hand down your dog’s back from the shoulders to the hips.
- Apply gentle downward pressure with your left hand until the dog folds into the sit position.
- Release pressure on the dog and return to walking position.
What if my dog resists the sit?
Maintain pressure until they give up. Do not get frustrated or correct them, simply wait them out.
What if my dog gets up right after being put into a sit?
As quickly as possible, repeat the steps above to replace them in the correct position, but do NOT give the sit command. Repeat as necessary.
What if my dog already knows sit?
If your dog knows sit, you will not need to complete the entire drill. It is important that your dog learn that upward pressure means sit, so continue to do that. Often, even when the dogs know sit, they need help to sit in the correct position promptly when asked.
Heel Drill
- Start with the dog sitting in heel position, and your leash in walking position.
- Give the command “Heel,” and step off with your left foot.
- Walk three steps, and then start the sit drill. The dog should be seated at your side when you come to a complete stop.
- Repeat
Heeling Turns
Heeling turns can be used to correct heel position, and to demand attention. There are four turns to choose from. The most important thing to remember during heeling is that the leash should not be tight for any length of time. The dogs will get corrections during heeling, but leash pressure should be short. No dragging or pulling is allowed by the dog or the human.
Training About Turn
Walk 180° to the right, away from your dog. As you turn, release the extra slack in your right hand and put both hands at your belly button. Move quickly in the opposite direction of your dog, and pick the slack back up as they catch up to you.
This turn is good for when the dog is too far out of position, if they are highly distracted, or if they are lunging towards someone or something. This turn is our “reset button.”
About Turn
Walk 180° to the right, away from your dog. Keep your leash in walking position throughout the turn.
This turn is good for when the dog is wide, or lagging behind.
Left Turn
Turn 90° into your dog. As you turn, pick up the middle of the leash with your left hand, and hold your left hand to your left leg. This will keep us from tripping over the dog if they are too far ahead. Release the left hand and return to walking position after the turn.
This turn is good for when the dog is forged ahead, or crowding you.
Right Turn
Turn 90° to the right, away from your dog. Keep your leash in walking position throughout the turn.
This turn is good for when the dog is wide, or lagging behind.
Intense Heeling
When your dog is distracted, excited, anxious, etc you can use heeling turns to get them to focus. Simply start walking at a brisk pace and change direction every few steps. It does not matter what turn you use, just keep turning.