Learn to Heel

How is heeling different than loose leash walking?

Loose leash walking doesn’t require an exact position. Your dog can be in front of or next to you, as long as the line is loose.  When your dog is in the Heel position, your dog is right next to you, lined up perfectly, paying attention to you and moving fluidly with you in any direction.

Heeling is both great physical exercise and an awesome mental work out for your dog. A nice precision Heel is also a requirement for many sports!

Our Learn to Heel course is packed full of fun techniques that will make Heel work a joy to train.

The end result – a beautiful Heel position and a dog who remains at your side while you are in motion.

Things to bring:

• Lots of yummy treats: 5 Different flavors, cut up small, but not so small that they are difficult to handle
• An efficient treat delivery system, such as:
  • Treat pouch that you can easily get your hand in and out of for efficient delivery
  • Training Vest that you can fill the pockets with lots of treats
  • Hoodies with big huge pockets
• Treat delivery systems to avoid:
  • Manufacturer’s bag:  you can’t hold the bag, the leash, and reward your dog efficiently all at the same time.  In addition if you are holding the manufacturers bag, what is your dog paying attention to?  The bag and not to you.
  • Zip lock bags:  you can’t hold the bag, the leash, and reward your dog efficiently all at the same time.  In addition if you are holding the zip lock bag, what is your dog paying attention to?  The bag and not to you.
  • Pants pockets:  unless you are wearing pants that are very loose, you can’t get your hand into and out of the pocket rapid enough to efficiently reward.
  • Plastic containers:  using a plastic container for storage to reload your pouch or vest (or the like) is ok, but using a container to refill your hand is ineffective.
• If your dog likes to play tug, bring his favorite tug toy, as well as an efficient way to conceal the toy that still allows you the ability to efficiently access it.

No Reactive Dogs

Dogs must be friendly toward other dogs and people

6 Dogs maximum