What Is the Correct Heeling Position for Dogs?

When you and your family are trying to teach your dog to heel, agree that the dog will stand on one side or the other at all times. If you put the dog on your left when you walk it, and your child puts the dog on his right, this confuses the dog and someone is going to end up stepping on the dog or falling over it. When a dog is on-leash, it can circle around whoever is walking it, wrapping up the person's legs and down the person goes. Dog trainers recommend that you heel dogs on the left, but if you prefer having the dog on your right, this is OK, too --- but stick to it.

  1. Begin ...

    • Put your dog on a loose lead. Stand about 6 feet in front of him and walk to his right side. As you position yourself to the dog's right, take up the slack in the leash, but don't jerk on it. Maneuver your dog into the correct heeling position so that you are aligned with each other. Ideally the dog's neck and shoulders should the aligned with your left leg. When you are in the right position, say, "Good," and release the tension on the leash. Face your dog and give him a treat.

    Positioning

    • Your dog is on your left side next to your left leg, and both of you are facing forward. Have one of your dog's favorite snacks in your left hand, held near your waistline but not directly in front of the canine's snout. Say your dog's name, which gets his attention. Make eye contact with him. Step forward two steps and halt. If the dog moves with you and is still next to you in the correct position, praise him and give him his treat.

    Repeating the Process

    • Repeat the heeling process once again. Do not reward him with a treat if he doesn't move forward with you and if he doesn't stay to your left. If your dog is running ahead of you or lagging behind, say, "Aaah-aaah" and start the process all over again. After he has successfully mastered two steps, proceed to four and so on. Remember to praise and encourage him.

    Verbal Cues

    • When your dog is heeling (staying beside you) for 10 or more steps, you need to start attaching a verbal cue to this behavior. Tell your dog, "Spot, heel," then step forward and have the dog move forward, too. Do this over and over again and he will eventually get the hang of it. The dog will associate what the two of you are doing with the cue, "heel."

    Learning By Associaton and Reinforcement

    • Your dogs learn via association and the reinforcement (treats) that come when the dog does what it has been commanded to do. The only time a dog should break from the heeling position is when you say "out."

    Benefits

    • When your dog learns to heel, it makes taking him for a walk so much more pleasurable and easier for the dog-walker, who doesn't have to worry about getting tripped up by an errant dog on a leash.