Heel Work (On Demand)  ·  6-Week CourseHeel Work On-DemandWeek 1 of 6
Get Started
Week 1
🔒Week 2
🔒Week 3
🔒Week 4
🔒Week 5
🔒Week 6
Class Discussion
Class Discussion
Technique
Duration. Right Side Heel Position
The Big Takeaway
Key concepts for this week.

Reinforcement Rate

When teaching a new behavior, use a high rate of reinforcement, delivering food every 1–2 seconds. This is especially important when generalizing to new situations or triggers.

🔔

Release Cue

Use "all done" as your release cue, paired with a one-minute break. This teaches your dog to take a timeout from training, improves focus, sets clear expectations, and lowers frustration.

📍

Holding Position

Reinforce your dog for holding heel position with a high rate of reinforcement for 15–30 seconds, then finish each set with the release cue.

🤫

Train Quietly

Don't use verbal cues other than "all done." Focus on hand signals, body language, and contextual cues, teaching dogs to offer behavior in response to the environment.

Additional Tips
Keep the same setup for each session. Maintain the same direction and positioning in all 4 sets.
Put the training mat away after each session, unless you've completed Mat Work, in which case keep it out throughout the day.
Use a harness and six-foot leash during sessions so your dog associates the harness with a calm, focused learning mindset.
Training mechanics: when working on right side heel position, keep the leash in your left hand and reinforce with your right hand.
Use earphones if your dog is sensitive to sounds from computers.
Homework
Your Week 1 Training Plan
Your Week 1
Training Plan
1
Management Strategies

Shorter walks. Walk at times or in places that are quieter. Avoid using food on walks while establishing foundation in the first three weeks.

2
Heel Work Pattern: 4 Sets with 60-Second Breaks

All four sets this week focus on right side heel position.

Set 1
Right side heel position
Set 2
Right side heel position
Set 3
Right side heel position
Set 4
Right side heel position
📅
Live Support
Office Hours

Join the live Q&A or watch the replay, submit your question in advance to reserve your spot. Sessions held Wednesdays at lunchtime, free to any enrolled On-Demand student. 10-minute limit per question.