Loose Leash Walking: Training Your Dog to Heel

Step 1: Decide on Your Side

Choose which side of your body you want your dog to walk on—left or right—and be consistent every time you train.

Step 2: Use a Lure to Guide Position

Start with a lure: place a piece of kibble in your palm and hold it in place with your thumb. Let your dog touch their nose to your hand. Begin to walk a step or two, keeping your hand close to their nose.

As your dog moves in sync with you, mark the moment with a cheerful “Yes!” and release the kibble as a reward.

Step 3: Build Slowly

• Begin with just 1 or 2 steps.

• Repeat the process until your dog reliably follows.

• Gradually increase the number of steps as your dog improves.

Your goal is to build the behaviour step by step, so your dog learns to follow your movement without pulling ahead or lagging behind.

Pro Tip: Set the Stage for Focus

To help your dog succeed:

• Train in a quiet environment with minimal distractions.

• Practice after elimination, when your dog is more relaxed and ready to focus.

• Keep sessions short and positive.

Want Help with Leash Training?

If you’re looking for expert tips or step-by-step guidance, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about leash training techniques and how to build a calm, confident walking partner.