Build Heel Duration with Food or Toy

Use this once your dog can find and hold heel position, and you're ready to add movement.

1Choose a favorite toy or a food lure.
2Cue your dog to heel, then mark and reward.
3Take one step forward; if your dog follows, praise them.
4On the second step, mark and reward with food or toy.
5Use the ping-pong method: increase steps unevenly, such as 1, then 3, then 2, then 5, rather than making every repetition harder.
6Once your dog is solid for several steps, add your loose-leash walking cue, such as "let's go," just before moving off.
7Start with 10 to 15 steps in a straight line, then gradually increase the distance.
8Add turns once your dog is solid walking in a straight line. Consider practicing in an open space such as an empty parking lot or driveway.
9Reduce food or toy rewards gradually while continuing to praise periodically.
10Use hand touches every few steps as another way to reinforce position and help with distractions or direction changes.

Use food, play, or hand touches to reinforce position, and vary the number of steps before each reward.