Teaching dog obedience skills can be very challenging. The heel command is one of the basic, yet more difficult lessons to teach your dog.

The 'heel' command requires that your dog is at your left leg (your heel) and must hold that position until released by you. This should be taught in crisp, brief dog training sessions because it requires your dog to be fully focused on the dog training task and prepared for repetition. Start out with simple lessons, remember that your dog wants to please you, so be patient.

You can use a leash if you wish – or not. The leash is for your comfort, not to be used to restrain or drag your dog around during these lessons. The purpose of heeling is to condition your dog to willing stand by your side. As with any dog obedience command, start these lessons in a familiar environment that is free from distractions to your dog. Follow these steps:

1. Have a few of your dogs favorite treats in your left hip pocket and one in your left hand. Hold your hand about waist high (around his head and nose).

2. Begin by standing with your dog at your left heel both of you facing in the same direction. Say his name in order to get his attention and immediately take 2 steps forward and then stop. If your dog follows your lead and remains in the same general position give him his treat and enthusiastically praise him.

3. Repeat this process several times. Lavish praise and give him his food treats when successful. Never give him food when he does not remain in the heel position. The positive reinforcement will build the association for the desired behavior.

4. If your dog falls behind or bolts ahead of you during the dog training then don't give praise and the reward. In a firm tone say “No” and start over again.

5. Continue to practice your dog obedience training. You can increase the number of steps from 2 to 4 when your dog has become comfortable with the concept. Then 6 steps and so on.

6. After your dog has mastered up to 8 steps you can begin adding a verbal command to the behavior. You simply say 'heel' then step forward. With lots of patience and repetition you will build confidence in your dog and the association between the verbal cue and the desired response.

7. Once you have the basic heel command working you can also add other variables such as duration, distance and distractions. For example you can conduct your dog obedience training at a park or around other animals. You can increase the speed of your pace or number of steps before issuing the heel command. You can introduce left or right turns or stepping backwards.

Follow these steps and remember to be patient. This should be fun for you and your dog and help build a bond between the two of you.

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