Mike Dizak here. After 30 years and 1,000s of dogs, I’ve seen one mistake ruin more walks than any other: correcting a dog for not heeling before they even know what “heel” means. I see it all the time at the park – owners yanking on the leash, getting frustrated, and the dog just getting more confused and anxious.
This goes directly against one of my core rules, my 9th Commandment: Never correct before the dog understands what's expected. Think about it – how can a dog succeed if they don’t know what you’re asking? You're setting them up for failure, and that's not fair. Clarity is kindness, and it should be the foundation of your relationship with your dog.
So, how do we teach the heel position correctly? We make it the best spot to be. Start with a high-value treat. With your dog on a leash, take a few steps forward. The moment your dog is in the correct heel position – by your side, not forging ahead – mark it with a “yes” and reward them right there in that position. Don't lure them, just capture the behavior. Keep sessions short and positive. Remember, faster is not better. We want the dog to choose to be there because it's a rewarding place to be.
Only after hundreds of positive repetitions, when your dog clearly understands that this position by your leg earns them good things, can you think about adding a verbal cue like “heel.” And only after the dog has a strong understanding of the cue can you introduce a fair correction for not complying. But the teaching must come first. You have to build that foundation of understanding before you can enforce the rules. Structure first. Freedom later.
Stop the cycle of frustration. Focus on teaching, be patient, and remember that your dog is an emotional being, not a robot. It's never too late to get your walk back on track.
