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Updated 2026-09-29

Heelwork foundations

Teach the dog to walk at your left side with a loose lead, choosing the position willingly.

Dogs5 minutes, little and often
Dog and guardian demonstrating reward-based heelwork foundations

Four-stage reward-based training progression: set up, mark, reward and progress
Set up an easy success, mark the wanted choice, reward promptly and add only one small challenge at a time.

Step by step

  1. Step 1

    Charge the position

    Stand still, lure the dog to your left side, mark and reward at your leg. Repeat until the dog offers the position.

  2. Step 2

    Add one step

    Take a single step forward; mark and reward if the dog moves with you in position.

  3. Step 3

    Build steps gradually

    Two steps, then three, then five. Reward frequently at your leg, not ahead of it.

  4. Step 4

    Add the cue word

    Once the dog reliably follows for several steps, say 'heel' as you set off.

  5. Step 5

    Practise in harder places

    Garden first, then quiet street, then busier areas — raising difficulty only as fast as the dog succeeds.

Troubleshooting

  • If the dog forges ahead, stop and reset rather than dragging back.
  • Keep the treat hand at your leg; luring with your hand out front teaches forging.