Heel

“Heel” teaches your dog to walk calmly at your side without pulling, making walks more enjoyable for both of you. This skill is especially important in crowded or high-traffic areas where control is critical. A solid “heel” can also help manage reactivity by keeping your dog close and focused on you during encounters with other dogs, bikes, or people.

Although “heel” is useful for teaching your dog to walk calmly and closely by your side, it’s not as essential as loose leash walking or allowing sniff-walks, which give your dog the freedom to explore and satisfy their natural instincts while still staying connected to you. A balance of all three creates a well-rounded and happy dog!