Tips & Tricks for Getting Your Dog to Walk to Heel

If you’re a dog owner, you’ll probably know exactly what we mean when we say those first few walks can feel more like you’re the one being walked, rather than your dog. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve raised your dog from a puppy or adopted an older dog with a big personality, we’ve pretty much all faced the challenge of lead training. But thankfully, no matter the size, age, or energy level of your four-legged friend, it’s never too late to teach them how to walk to heel.

We’ve all been there… One moment you’re stepping out the front door excited for some fresh air with your best friend and the next you’re being dragged full-speed down the street, as your overexcited dog tries to sniff every tree, meet every dog, and say hello to every person within a five-mile radius. It might be fun for them, but for us humans, not so much. And it’s not really ideal for your pup either. Training to walk to heel makes walkies calmer, safer, and so much more enjoyable for both of you.

With a bit of patience, practice, and a few handy tricks up your sleeve, you can absolutely master walk to heel together. Here at WOOOF, we’ve been tugged around by our fair share of pups, so here are some of our favourite tips and tricks that helped our own dogs walk to heel like a pro.

Teaching your dog to walk to heel isn’t just about making walks easier for you, although let’s be honest, not being yanked down the street is a big bonus. It’s also incredibly important for your dog’s health and comfort.

When a dog constantly pulls on the lead, especially if they’re wearing a collar, it can put a huge amount of strain on their neck and chest. You might have even heard your dog making a choking noise or struggling to breathe while pulling. It’s easy to assume it’s not bothering them, because after all, why would they keep doing it if it hurts? But in reality, it can cause serious damage.

Studies suggest that pulling on a collar can lead to neck and throat injuries, and even potential thyroid issues. A study by Nottingham Trent University found that collars exerted enough pressure to risk injury when a dog pulls. It also suggested that this pulling can increase pressure on the eyes and affect blood flow to the head which could lead to longer-term health problems.

Teaching your dog to walk to heel also makes walks safer, calmer, and way more enjoyable for both of you. Your dog won’t feel like they’re dragging you around and instead, you’ll be walking together, side by side, as a team. And honestly, there’s nothing better than that shared little adventure.

Now that we know why teaching your dog to walk to heel is so important, it’s time to get started. Here are some of our favourite tips and tricks to teach your dog to walk to heel, tried, tested, and loved by the team (and our dogs) here at WOOOF.

The equipment you use to teach your dog to walk to heel will make a huge difference, especially if you’re dealing with a strong, enthusiastic puller. The right leads and harnesses for dogs that pull can not only make your walks safer and more comfortable but also help speed up your training progress.

We always recommend using a harness for dogs that tend to pull, to avoid putting unnecessary strain on their neck. One of our absolute favourites is the Zee.Dog range of Softer Walk Harnesses. These clever no-pull dog harnesses are designed to give both you and your pup a smoother, more comfortable walking experience. They feature two D-rings, one on the back and one on the front, which gently guide your dog towards you when they start pulling. Plus, the padded control handle on top gives you extra control when you need it most.

We also suggest pairing it with one of Zee.Dog’s matching leads for dogs that pull like the Ruff Dog Leash 2.0. Voted the best dog leash in the world by Pet Product News International, this lead was made with pullers in mind. It features a shock-absorbent spring to soften the impact of those sudden lunges, a super hook with a secure screw lock, 360° swivel, neoprene-padded handle for extra comfort, and a rubber skull protector for long-lasting durability.

When it comes to teaching your dog to walk to heel, positive reinforcement is everything, and nothing says good job like their favourite tasty treat. Having a stash of healthy dog treats ready to go makes training way more effective and fun for both of you.

We recommend stocking up on easy-to-grab goodies, like small baked treats that fit nicely in your pocket or treat pouch. We have also found treat pastes to be a total game changer. You can hold the tube in one hand, your dog’s lead in the other, and simply squeeze out a little as you walk to guide them into the right position. It’s quick, mess-free, and keeps your pup focused on sticking close by your side.

Before you even head out for a walk, it’s super helpful to start building positive associations with your dog’s lead and harness. If your pup only sees their harness when it’s time to charge out the door, they’re likely to get overexcited the second you pick it up. Instead, let them get used to wearing it around the house first.

Pop their properly fitted harness on indoors for short periods and make it a fun, rewarding experience. Give them treats, shower them with praise, and play their favourite games while they’re wearing it. This way, they’ll start to associate the harness with good things, not just wild, pull-filled adventures.

You can also practice your walk to heel training inside before tackling the great outdoors. Since your dog won’t realise they’re about to go on a proper walk, they’re less likely to pull or get distracted. It’s a great chance to reward them for calmly staying by your side and responding to cues, building up those good habits in a quiet, low-pressure setting.

Now the real training begins! There are a few different ways to teach your dog to walk to heel, and one of the most effective is by using a command or a clicker. It’s all about creating clear, consistent signals your dog can easily understand and respond to.

You can choose a simple verbal cue like heel or use the distinct sound of a dog training clicker. Whichever you prefer, the goal is to help your dog associate that sound or word with walking calmly by your side. Every time they move into the right position, say your command or click the clicker and immediately reward them with a treat or some praise.

With regular practice, your dog will quickly start to recognise that walking to heel means good things happen like a tasty snack or butt scratch.

The Figure of 8 Trick is one of our favourite methods here at WOOOF and it’s worked wonders with our own pups. Find a safe, open space like a field, park, quiet car park, or even your own garden. Then, start walking in big, looping figure-of-eight shapes with your dog.

When you’ve got treats in your hand, your dog will usually follow you naturally. Because you’re not walking in a straight line or giving them a clear, predictable path, they’re far less likely to pull ahead and much more likely to watch you for direction.

Reward them with treats and praise every time they walk calmly by your side. If they start to pull, simply stop or turn and head in the opposite direction. It might confuse them at first, but that’s the point! It teaches them to stay focused on you and rely on your cues for where to go next.

As your dog gets better, you can start mixing it up by walking in longer straight lines, then suddenly turning or changing direction. It keeps them engaged and gently reinforces that the best place to be is right by your side.

Like any good habit, learning to walk to heel takes time and patience is key. It won’t happen overnight, but with regular practice, your pup will get the hang of it. The trick is to keep training sessions short and sweet so your dog stays focused and they don’t get overwhelmed.

Aim for around 10 minutes a day if you can. Little and often works best, especially with energetic or easily distracted dogs. The more positive, consistent practice you both put in, the quicker you’ll start to see results and the more enjoyable your walks will become.

Last but not least, never underestimate the power of praise. While you’re training your dog to walk to heel, it’s so important to celebrate their wins, no matter how small. Giving treats as rewards while you train is brilliant, but it’s just as valuable to shower them with love, fuss, and cheerful words.

After a successful training session, it’s also a great idea to follow up with something fun. A tasty treat dispenser dog toy or a good play session with one of their favourite dog chew toys is a perfect way to end on a positive note. Not only does this build those positive associations with training, but it also gives your pup a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy a little enrichment after all that concentration.

By following these tips and tricks, we hope lead training will come easy to you and your pup, or at least a fun, manageable part of your daily routine. With a little patience, consistency, and plenty of praise, you’ll have your dog walking to heel like a pro in no time.

And remember, here at WOOOF, we’ve got everything you need to make your training sessions a success, from strong and durable leads and harnesses, to tasty treats and treat pastes, plus enrichment toys that let them wind down after each session. We’re here to support you and your pup every step of the way, making walks safer, calmer, and more enjoyable.

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