Come to Heel

Use this once your dog can find heel position from behind, and you want them to come to heel from the front too.

1Once your dog can find heel position beside you, practice the handler movement for coming into heel from the front without your dog first.
2Start with your dog facing you and hold a food reward at their nose.
3Move your hand straight back behind you as you step back with the foot on your dog's heel side, keeping your other foot planted.
4Guide your dog's head past your leg so they are facing away from you.
5Move your hand in a U-shape toward your leg as you step back into your starting position.
6Mark and reward as soon as your dog's front feet line up with your leg in heel position.
7Repeat the exercise several times across a few sessions.
8Once the movement is familiar, practice the same motion while holding the leash instead of using the food lure.

A clear starting position helps you move forward as a team.