Use this before teaching your dog to walk with you, so they know where heel position is.
1Place a front-foot target between you and a wall, leaving enough room for your dog to stand beside you without turning to face you.
2Use a hand touch or lure to guide your dog's front feet onto the target next to you.
3Mark and reward three times while your dog stays in position.
4Give your release cue and toss a treat behind your dog to reset.
5Repeat the sequence three times.
6Pause and see whether your dog finds the target beside you without the hand prompt.
7Mark and reward when your dog finds heel position independently, then feed three times in position before releasing.
8Practice in different areas of the house and gradually move away from the wall. Once your dog can find heel position from behind, you are ready to teach them to come into heel from in front.
A clear starting position helps you move forward as a team.