How to Teach a Dog to Heel Beside You

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Heel means walking at your side, in a particular position, with attention. It is useful in busy places, near traffic and in competition obedience. It is different from the everyday walk, where your dog can sniff and explore on a loose lead. See how to teach loose leash walking.

Decide on the position

Choose which side your dog will be on, and where exactly, such as shoulder level with your leg. Many dogs walk on the left, but either is fine. Be consistent.

Prepare

• Small, soft treats in a pouch on the side you want your dog to be. See choosing a treat pouch
• A flat collar or harness and a standard leash
• A quiet place

Step 1: Teach the position without walking

Stand still with a treat in the hand on your dog's side. Lure your dog to the position at your leg, mark and reward there. Repeat until your dog moves to your side readily. See how to teach hand target touch.

Step 2: Take one step

Step forward and reward your dog for staying at your side. Mark and reward at your leg, not in front. Take two steps, then three, then five.

Step 3: Add the cue

Once your dog is moving with you readily, say "heel" before you step off. Reward frequently at first, then less often.

Step 4: Add turns and pace changes

Practice turns, halts and changes of speed, rewarding your dog for staying with you. Keep early sessions short, a minute or two.

Step 5: Add distractions

Practice outdoors, at different times and with increasing distractions. Reward heavily when your dog chooses to stay with you. See how to proof your dog's training around distractions.

Eye contact

Many trainers teach attention at the same time. See how to teach watch me.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog forges ahead. Stop, wait for your dog to return, and reward at your leg.
• Your dog lags. Use a more exciting reward, a happier voice and a faster pace.
• Your dog crosses in front. Reward position more often and keep your dog close.
• Your dog loses interest. Shorten the session and use higher-value rewards.

Avoid harsh corrections

Choke chains, prong collars and jerks on the leash can cause pain and fear. See prong collars explained. Reward-based training is as effective and builds a better relationship.

Use it sparingly

Heel is demanding. Use it at busy crossings and crowded areas, and then release your dog to a relaxed walk. See how to walk a dog calmly in busy streets.

Competition heeling

In rally and competition obedience, heel is more precise. See competition obedience for beginners.

Choosing rewards

Food works well for most dogs, but some prefer toys or play. Use whatever your dog finds most exciting for hard moments such as passing other dogs. Deliver the reward at your leg, at the height of your dog's mouth, so your dog learns that position pays. Keep treats small and soft, and count them in the daily food allowance. See how to use treats in dog training without overfeeding.

Training schedule

Practice for a few minutes, two or three times a day, rather than one long session. Start inside, move to the garden and then to quiet streets. If your dog struggles, go back a step. Mix heel with other tricks and games so training stays fun.

Equipment

A flat collar or well-fitted harness is enough. Avoid tools designed to cause discomfort. A standard four to six foot leash lets you keep your dog close without tension. See choosing a dog training leash.

The takeaway

Teach the position first, build steps gradually and reward at your leg. A good heel is a useful tool when you need it.