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How to teach off-leash heel? My dog won't stay by my side.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year old | 100 lbs

I've been working on off leash heel for Trooper, any tips? He doesn't seem to want to follow next to me.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 23rd, 2016

Off-leash heeling is a skill that takes some time for most dogs to learn well. I do competitive obedience with my dogs, and the best way I have found to teach nice, attentive off-leash heeling is with a clicker and treats. (If you're not familiar with clicker training, check out this website for lots of info on the general idea behind it: www.clickertraining.com). Take a handful of treats and your clicker, and work in a fairly large room or outdoors if possible - just make sure that the area is fenced for safety. Remove the leash and walk around the room; make sure your dog knows that you have treats, and encourage him to follow you. As he comes up to you, turn so that he falls into step beside you on the left in heel position - as soon as he gets there, click and reward with a treat. You can toss another treat out in front of you to reset, if needed - just turn and walk away while he's eating it, then click and treat again once he catches back up into heel position. Once he gets the hang of finding heel position, you can start to ask for a step or two of heeling beside you before the click and treat. Then three steps, then four, etc. Make it a game; run away and encourage him to chase you, then click and treat for finding heel. Most dogs really enjoy learning this way, and will quickly figure out what you want. As a bonus, they learn to love heeling with you since it's always been a fun game to them :)

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 1st, 2017

    I like to train with treats and a clicker. With a small dog have her sit by your side on the leash. Ask for the sit by holding a treat up above her nose and gently push her bottom down to sit. Immediately give the treat and praise Bella. When she knows sit then ask her to sit and click when she does. Then give the treat and praise. From the sit ask her to walk luring with a treat in front to get her to walk forward. I walk just a short way then have her sit, then walk again. Doing this at first without distractions makes it easier for her to learn what you are asking. If you have a friend with an older trained dog then I would go for walks with them so Bella can learn from that dog how to walk beside you. Make the training fun, give lots of praise and always treat for good behavior. In addition there are many excellent dog training books, check your library. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella.

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