How to Train Your Dog to Heel
Walking with your dog at a "heel" is more formal than walking your dog on a loose leash. Teaching a dog to heel involves training them to stay close by your side while walking. It is an excellent way to instill self-control in your dog, whether they are on or off leash. Any dog�even the most energetic pups can learn to heel, and teaching this command is not too difficult as long as you're persistent and consistent.
Prepare for Training
Have plenty of treats on hand. For training especially when introducing a new or difficult command, choose treats that your dog cannot resist. Small pieces are best because you will give your dog many treats initially to reward good behavior without spoiling their diet. For stubborn or small dogs that make offering treats in the heel position difficult, use a long-handled spoon coated with peanut butter, cream cheese, or wet dog food.
You can train a dog to heel with or without a leash. If you're working with your dog off-leash, ensure you are in a safe area, such as a fenced-in yard.
For your first attempts, stay in an area with minimal distractions, like your backyard. If you go somewhere with too many interesting things happening, treats may not be enough to hold your dog's attention.
Sit, Heel, and Treat Continuously
Start off with your dog sitting on your left side. Hold a handful of treats or the wooden spoon close to your dog's nose, and tell it to "heel." Begin to walk. For the first few tries, take just a few steps and give your dog treats continuously.
Treat Less Often
Once you can walk with your dog at a heel for several yards, start reducing the number of treats you give them. Begin again with your dog sitting at your left side, and give the command "heel." Give the dog a treat, then take a step before giving another. Ensure you reward your dog before their interest wanders. Keep the heel distance short, and gradually work up to walking a yard or two between treats.
Add Distance
Once you're able to walk several yards with your dog in a heel with only a few treats, it's time to start adding more distance to your walk. You can give your dog treats, but begin to slowly phase them out.
If your dog frequently breaks out of a heel, you might be progressing too quickly. Return to the distance and number of treats where you last succeeded in keeping your dog at a heel and repeat.
Add Distraction
Once you can walk a long distance with fewer treats, add some distractions. Train at a park or take walks through your neighborhood on a leash. Initially, you may need to treat your dog continuously and keep walks short until they understand what is expected. Gradually work up to longer distances and fewer treats again.
Fade Out the Treats
After practicing walking with your dog at a heel for long distances, you should eventually stop using treats altogether. Gradually add more distance to the walk with fewer treats given. Your dog should soon be able to heel without any or with only occasional treats.
Problems and Proofing Behavior
Dogs often break out of the heel when learning this command, especially early on. Your patience and consistency are key to overcoming challenges. Persist, and your dog will eventually learn what you want them to do.
If needed, go back a step or two during training. A common mistake is moving to the next step before the dog is ready, making it seem like they forgot previous lessons. If your dog makes several mistakes in a row, return to giving more treats and walking a shorter distance. Take your time, then slowly build back up to having them walk at a heel for longer distances.
Keep a close eye on your dog's body language. You can often anticipate when your dog is about to break away from the heel position. If you notice your dog's muscles bunch or they begin to fixate on something other than the treats, give the "heel" command again, then pivot to the left and walk in the opposite direction. Your dog will quickly learn that it is important to pay attention to you.
