Teaching the heel command is not difficult, but, like all training excercises, it does require firmness and consistency.

If the command “Heel” is so basic and simple, you have to wonder why you see so many dogs that won’t walk quietly by their owner’s side. Admittedly, some dogs are easier to train than others, and some seem bent on doing the opposite of whatever you want them to do. Properly training this command is not difficult, but it does require firmness and, just as importantly, consistency.

Take your dog out walking. Each time he tugs or gets beyond the point where the front of his shoulder is aligned with your knee, quickly snatch the lead and bring him back into position. This snatch-release program could take a few sessions, or it could take many, depending on your dog’s character and temperament. However, at this point you are not giving a verbal command. The dog is simply learning from the pressure what you want.

When you can tell your dog understands what you want, you can link the verbal “Heel” with your walks. You can vary your walking speed, turn toward the dog and turn away from him at various intervals. Give him a “Heel” along with the tug on the lead when if he falls out of step. Soon your dog will be looking to you for guidance and anticipating your moves in an effort to stay in good heeling position. .          

To finish this exercise, you can next introduce an electronic collar to the progression. As with all e-training exercises, a proper introduction to this valuable tool should already be complete. If you need help with this, you can review the earlier training article on this site. You should start with the lowest level of stimulation your dog will respond to. If you need to administer a correction, do so with both the lead and the e-collar.