Heel On-Leash

Laura Enos demonstrates how to keep the leash loose, and give your dog a warning when they begin to stray.  If they’re not paying attention, give them a warning, and if they don’t respond, try yanking the leash or abruptly changing directions.

Once we’ve taught off-leash following, off leash heeling, and indoor on-leash heeling we’re finally ready to try heeling on-leash outside.  By taking small steps, you can build up to walking in the most crowded and excited environments.

Your dog can’t follow you if you’re not leading.  Walking away from your dog is the only way they can follow, and if you yell and clap and run away they’re likely to chase after you.

Lying down can be a sign of anxiety.  To get them moving again kneel down and lure them from their level, all while maintaining a loose leash.

Being able to alternate immediately between praise & reprimand according to a dog’s behavior is the most fundamental skill in dog training.

It’s good to make a distinction between walking and heeling.  A heeling dog should be actively paying attention to you, while a walking dog can sniff and roam a little.

On-leash heeling is a complex, multi-part process.  The secret is mastering off-leash heeling skills first

Before you attempt on-Leash heeling, make sure you can heel your dog off-leash.  Otherwise you’ll use the leach for physical control, and it will become a permanent crutch