Walking on a leash: positive training techniques for harmonious walks with your dog
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: "heel" means walking beside you, the dog's shoulder level with your leg, on a loose lead. You teach it with rewards: first standing still, then for a few steps, then with distractions, and you only add the word "Heel" once the behaviour is solid. 5-minute sessions, high-value treats, a Y harness and a fixed lead of about 1.5 m.
Heel or loose lead: what's the difference?
| Loose lead | Heel | |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Free, as long as the lead stays slack | Dog's shoulder level with your leg |
| When | Most of the walk | Tricky moments: roads, crowds, passing others |
| Sniffing | Yes, during breaks | No, for the length of the exercise |
- Its safety: it stays close to you by a road or in a narrow passage.
- Yours: less risk of being pulled off balance.
- Others: pedestrians, children, cyclists and other dogs passed calmly.
The gear
- A Y harness with a chest ring: it protects the neck while the dog learns. See our Confort harnesses.
- A fixed lead of about 1.5 m, not retractable: our padded-handle 150 cm leads work well.
- Treats that are small and very tasty, in an easy-to-reach pouch.
The training steps
- Reward the position, standing stillDog on your left (or right, but always the same side). As soon as its shoulder is level with your leg, say "Yes!" and give the treat at your leg. Repeat until it comes back to that spot by itself.
- One step, then twoTake one step. If it stays beside you on a loose lead: "Yes!" and a treat. Then two steps, then three. Reward often.
- If it gets aheadStop. When it comes back to you, reward at your leg. You can also turn round calmly and reward as soon as it follows.
- Add the cueWhen it takes the position by itself, say "Heel" just before. It will link the word to the behaviour.
- Add distractionsGarden, quiet street, park, then busy places. In each new place, go back to easier sessions and more frequent rewards.
Where is your dog at?
It comes to your leg for the treat but doesn't stay for more than 2 or 3 steps. To do: 3–5 minute sessions at home, a treat every 1–2 steps.
It holds 10–20 steps somewhere quiet. To do: turns, changes of pace, stops; add the word "Heel".
It holds the position in the street. To do: pass other dogs at a distance, space out rewards, and use a release word ("Free!") to give it back its freedom.
Tips for success
Short sessions
5–10 minutes, always ending on a success.
Same rules for everyone
Same side, same word, same rewards: otherwise the dog gets confused.
Before it pulls
If it's about to head for a distraction, change direction or reward before the lead tightens.
Pulling or jerking the lead
It doesn't teach the right position and it damages trust.
Session checklist
During the session:
Frequently asked questions
How do I teach my dog to heel?
By rewarding the position beside your leg, first standing still, then for a few steps, then with distractions. The word "Heel" is added once the behaviour is solid.
At what age should I start?
As soon as the puppy arrives, with sessions of a few minutes at home.
Left or right?
It doesn't matter, but always the same side. The left is a common habit, not a rule.
How long does it take to learn heel?
A few weeks of short, regular sessions for the basics, longer for a reliable heel in town.
Does heel replace loose-lead walking?
No, it's an extra for tricky moments. The rest of the time: loose lead and sniff breaks.