Learning to teach “heel” can be approached using different tools and techniques. Below are multiple methods to help you achieve a reliable heel, whether you prefer using a prong collar, e-collar, leash guidance, or natural body movement techniques.
1️⃣ Prong Collar Method
This method relies on the dog learning through pressure and release, allowing them to make the decision to stay in the heel position. The correction (pop) serves as a consequence when they leave position, and the release of pressure is their reward.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fit the Prong Collar Properly
Ensure the prong collar sits high on the neck, just behind the dog’s ears. It should be snug but not tight. A loose collar will be ineffective. - Start in a Controlled Environment
Begin indoors or in a low-distraction area. Hold the leash with a relaxed hand, with your dog on your left side. - Mark the Heel Position
Decide where you want your dog to be (usually by your left leg, with their shoulder aligned with your hip). - Initiate the Walk
Say “heel” and begin walking. If the dog forges ahead, lags behind, or veers off, provide a quick, firm “pop” on the leash (NOT a pull). The pop is a fast, firm, and short movement with an immediate release. - Allow Them to Think
After the pop, give them a second to think and self-correct. Don’t pull them back into position. If they do not correct, pop again and guide them back to position. - Reward Good Choices
If they return to the proper heel position on their own, mark it with a “Yes!” or “Good!” and reward with treats or praise. Use verbal markers to highlight their correct decisions. - Use Left/Right Turns for Clarity
Make left turns, which naturally push them toward you. If they aren’t paying attention, the turn will “bump” them into heel position. Right turns create distance, so if they aren’t focused, they may forge ahead, allowing you to provide a pop if needed. - Gradually Increase Distractions
Move to areas with more distractions and continue to enforce the heel position with pops if needed. Remember, the goal is for the dog to think and self-correct.
2️⃣ E-Collar Method
This method utilizes low-level stimulation to guide the dog into the heel position. The e-collar teaches the dog to avoid pressure by maintaining heel position. It’s not about punishment but communication.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Condition the Dog to the E-Collar
Before teaching “heel,” make sure your dog understands how the e-collar works. They should know that they can “turn off” the sensation by following guidance. This can be done with recall exercises. - Fit the E-Collar Properly
The e-collar should be snug, with the contact points touching the dog’s skin. It should not be loose. - Find the Dog’s “Working Level”
Find the lowest level of stimulation that your dog can feel (often a low “twitch”). This is the level you’ll use for training—not high-level corrections. - Start the Heel Command
Walk with the dog on your left side. Say “heel” and start walking. If the dog forges ahead or lags behind, press and hold the e-collar button (continuous stimulation, not a tap). - Guide the Dog with Leash Pressure
Simultaneously guide the dog with the leash (light pull or guidance) as you hold the stimulation button. The moment the dog moves back into the heel position, release the stimulation. This teaches the dog that the pressure turns off when they are in position. - Reinforce with Praise and Treats
If the dog returns to heel position without needing further guidance, mark it with a “Yes!” and reward with treats or praise. Over time, the dog will understand how to avoid pressure altogether. - Refine with Left/Right Turns
Left turns naturally move the dog into position, while right turns help build engagement. If they lose focus, you can use e-collar guidance during turns. - Increase Distractions
After the dog understands heel, add distractions. If the dog breaks position, hold the stimulation and release when the dog re-aligns. - Fade Leash Pressure
As the dog gains an understanding of heel, reduce leash guidance and rely solely on the e-collar as a “remote tap” to guide them back.
3️⃣ Left/Right Turn Method
This method focuses on body pressure and natural guidance. It requires patience and consistency but avoids the need for prong or e-collars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start in a Low-Distraction Area
Use an area with minimal distractions (like a backyard or quiet street). Attach a 6-foot leash to a flat collar or slip lead. - Mark the Heel Position
Your dog should be on your left side with their shoulder aligned with your leg. If they forge ahead, lag behind, or veer, you will correct them using movement. - Use Body Pressure with Left Turns
Start walking in a straight line. After a few steps, make an abrupt 90° left turn. If your dog isn’t paying attention, they will feel the leash tighten or feel a light “bump” as they naturally run into you. This teaches them to pay attention to your movements. - Reinforce with Verbal Praise
When the dog returns to heel, say “Yes!” or “Good!” and reward them with a treat. You are rewarding engagement and awareness. - Use Sudden Right Turns
Suddenly turn right and walk in the opposite direction. This encourages the dog to pay attention to you. If they are too far forward, they will be “left behind,” naturally prompting them to come back into position. - Utilize Sudden Stops
While walking, suddenly stop. If your dog walks ahead of you, use the leash to guide them back. Over time, they will learn to stop when you stop. - Gradually Increase Distractions
Once the dog understands the concept of paying attention to your movement, introduce mild distractions like toys, treats, or other dogs at a distance. - Reinforce with Verbal Cues
Continue to use the “heel” command every time the dog is in position. If they step out of position, turn left, turn right, or stop to prompt them to self-correct.
4️⃣ Luring with Food and Marker Training
If you prefer a purely positive approach, use food to teach heel. This approach takes more time but avoids pressure-based corrections.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mark the Heel Position
Start with your dog in front of you. Use a treat to lure the dog around your right side, guiding them behind you and into heel position on your left. - Start Walking While Luring
With a treat in your left hand, keep it by your side to guide the dog. Say “heel” as you walk. Reward every 3-5 steps if they stay in position. - Phase Out the Lure
Once the dog understands where heel is, reduce the treat luring but continue to reward randomly. - Use Verbal Cues and Rewards
If the dog forges ahead, say “Ah-ah” and guide them back. If they correct themselves, mark it with “Yes!” and reward. - Build Duration and Distraction
Practice short heel sessions and slowly increase the duration. Add mild distractions like moving toys or people walking by. - Transition from Food to Real-World Walks
Once your dog understands the position, practice on walks. Start in low-distraction areas and gradually add in higher distractions.
Tips for Success
- Timing is Key: The pop, e-collar press, or verbal correction must happen at the exact moment the dog leaves position. Too late, and the dog won’t associate the correction with the mistake.
- Consistency: Choose a method and stick with it. Don’t combine methods randomly, as it confuses the dog.
- Repetition & Patience: It takes consistent practice for dogs to master heel. Daily 10-15 minute sessions work best.
- Use Engagement: Keep your dog’s attention on you with sudden turns, stops, and changes in direction. Dogs learn faster when you’re unpredictable.
Which Method is Best?
- For Fast Results: Prong collar or e-collar method.
- For Natural Learning: Left/Right turn method.
- For Positive-Only Approach: Food luring and marker training.
If you want a hybrid approach, combine prong/e-collar with positive reinforcement. For instance, you can use pops to guide, but reward good decisions with treats.
For more great advice, we’ve personally selected this insightful video from Ethan Steinberg! Be sure to check out their content and follow them for more valuable training tips!
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