Trainers constantly evaluate the state of mind that the dogs they work are in. The very first thing we do in our initial interaction with dogs is to read their body language and gauge their mindset. We ask ourselves a string of questions, such as whether the dog is calm, excited, stressed, confident, eager, content, or reactive. Every action that has taken place in the dog’s world beforehand contributes directly to their state of mind. The way dogs perceive us influences how they will respond to any form of training. As we begin training, we compare pre- and post-behavior to see how a dog responds to the training and cues. Our goal in every training session is to ensure that every interaction, every cue we give, and every lesson we teach has a positive effect and shapes a more confident, composed, and compliant minded animal. One of the teaching tools that we use to develop that consistent state of mind is a loose-lead or off-lead heel .
The Benefits of a Loose-Lead Heel A loose-lead or off-lead heel is simply the act of a dog choosing to walk by your off-side (opposite to the side you carry your firearm) with a loose lead or no lead at all. This requires a dog to make his own decision to walk beside the handler, rather than being physically held by a tight lead. It promotes a mindset change within the dog. This joined up mindset is one where a dog is confidently looking to their handler for direction and leadership.
The benefits of a good heel and the mindset it fosters extend beyond training. A dog that heels isn’t pulling against the leash and therefore doesn’t have the constant pressure on their neck that can cause long-term damage to their throat. Heeling can be utilized as a warm-up and cool-down exercise, pre- and post-workout, or during the hunt. A dog that has the self-restraint to stand or walk beside their handler in exciting or high-stimuli situations is a dog that has better control over its impulses. Developing impulse control and improved cognitive reasoning directly improves a dog’s trainability and reliability in the field. All of these translate to a dog that is more pleasant to be around and easier to take along on activities.
A loose-leash heel is a great benefit in the home and field. (Photo courtesy of Susanna Love Smith) Applying “Heel” in Daily Life Everything we do in our training format has applicability and utility in daily life—as well as hunting. As a part of training and guiding, my husband, Ronnie Smith, and I have spent a lot of time working dogs in remote and wild areas in Texas and Montana. We have found ourselves in numerous situations where a good heel has helped dogs overcome challenges and mitigate potential dangers. Dogs that proficiently heel in a joined-up, composed manner have the ability to shift from a highly agitated, excited mindset to a calm, relaxed one.
One warm September afternoon in Montana, we found an ideal spot for potential bird contacts, a little over a half mile from the road. To conserve energy and dog power, we heeled our dogs across a plowed field to the birdy area. After a successful hunt, we heeled the dogs back across the plowed field to the truck. By heeling to the area we wanted to hunt, we had fresh, joined-up dogs when we turned them loose to hunt. Heeling back to the truck allowed the dogs’ breathing to return to normal and their body temperatures to cool down before being loaded. Had we run the dogs to the hunting objective and then back to the truck, they would likely have been too hot to perform well, and they could have become overheated. Had we put them on a lead and allowed them to pull us to and from the truck, they would have potentially been hot and panting hard both before and after the hunt. Heeling allowed them to stay as cool as possible and reserve energy for hunting.
Another situation where a good heel was beneficial in the field was when a couple of our dogs had an encounter with porcupines. Two dogs had quills deeply embedded in their mouths before Ronnie was able to get them off the porcupine. Recognizing that the situation was going to require attention back at camp—and possibly a trip to the vet—Ronnie began to heel both dogs back toward camp. Before he made it back, both dogs had calmed down, had stopped pawing at the quills in their mouths, and surprisingly worked birds on the return trip. By putting the dogs in a heeling position, they eventually defaulted to a composed mindset and were less reactive. When they got back to camp, both dogs were calm, and we were able to get the quills removed.
How to Teach a Dog to Heel When we begin teaching heel, the first thing we focus on is teaching a dog what a cue is, and how to turn it off. This is as simple as putting light pressure on the lead and completely releasing that pressure when the dog yields to it. In short, we are looking for dogs to learn to move in response to a light physical cue, instead of ignoring or pulling against it. Having slack in the lead is a critical element in teaching heel. The release is the physical indicator to the dog that they have responded correctly to the cue.
Once dogs have a basic understanding of how to respond to simple cues, we can begin teaching the fundamentals of a heel. We begin by having a dog on a Command Lead (a short lead designed to release tension on the neck after a cue is given), then we do the opposite of what the dog does. If the dog forges ahead of the handler, the handler turns and moves in the opposite direction. The trainer cues the dog with the lead when turning, and as the dog moves to catch up, the tension on the lead is released. If the dog pulls to the left, the handler turns right. If a dog’s body is moving at an angle, the handler turns in the opposite direction to straighten that angle. If a dog moves quickly, the handler slows his pace. This all requires the dog to think, rather than simply react. In a short time, the dog begins to watch and mirror the handler’s movements.
It is important to keep in mind a couple of inherent behaviors, both of people and dogs. A person’s natural tendency is to hold a lead tight, as it gives us a sense of being in control. Handlers have to make a conscious decision to keep plenty of slack in the lead. Our rule of thumb when using a Command Lead is that there should be a wide bend in the rope between the dog and where the handler is holding the lead. From the dog’s perspective, the natural tendency is to pull against a rope if it is tight. This is why roading works so well as a workout for dogs; when they feel the constant pressure, they lean into it and pull as a draft horse might. Both person and dog are required to react a little less, and think a little more, when the lead is completely loose.
We always recommend introducing a new skill in a controlled environment. At Smith Kennels, this environment is a mowed area, with few distractions for the dog. As the dog gets more proficient, we move out of the quiet, controlled environment, and practice in areas with more distractions. We incorporate our challenge/agility course into our heeling sessions, continually adding new obstacles, and heeling around, up, and over objects. We always strive to use cues that are increasingly subtle, to gain compliance in increasingly challenging situations. We work to the point where we can call a dog to us in the bird field and heel them through the field during a hunt. Much as a painter works with rough brush strokes first, we focus on teaching a general concept first and then later refine the art.
At this point, we have a reliable heel that can be implemented in multiple environments. This skill helps us to connect with dogs in a more in-tune and joined-up manner. Moreover, the heel can calm and cool the mind and body, which can have immeasurable value for both physical health/safety and performance. As a final note, a polished heel is a great measure of manners in a dog, and one that will ensure that the dog is welcome in nearly any dog-friendly environment.
