Heel Work (On Demand)  ·  6-Week CourseHeel Work On-DemandWeek 6 of 6
Class Discussion
Class Discussion. Healthy Habits
Technique
Overview of Verbal Cues for Heel Work
The Big Takeaway
Key concepts for this week.
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Connect With Your Dog

Practice 10-minute training sessions each day as a way to connect and build stronger relationships. Consistent daily connection is what produces lasting behavioral change.

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Evaluate Your Training Sessions

After each session, reflect on whether it felt constructive. If sessions feel frustrating, spend more time training with fewer distractions and gradually build back to more challenging situations.

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Focus on Contextual Cues

Reframe triggers so your dog learns to check in when they hear, see, or smell something that previously triggered barking, lunging, or chasing.

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Prioritize Trust

Don't put your dog into situations where they are overwhelmed or overstimulated. Avoid places where they are likely to go over-threshold and rehearse anxious or reactive behaviors.

Homework
Your Week 6 Training Plan
Your Week 6
Training Plan
1
Continue the Familiar Pattern, with 1-Minute Breaks

Keep building on everything you've practiced across the course. Carry food on all walks and look for opportunities to reinforce check-ins in real-world situations.

Set 1
Right side heel position
Set 2
Left side heel position
Set 3
Hand target, touch to heel
Set 4
Your choice
Take Your Training Further
What Comes Next

If you haven't yet completed Mat Work, that is the best next step. If you have completed Mat Work, continue on with Recall. Both are specifically designed for dogs that struggle with anxiety, reactivity, hyperactivity, or aggression.

Learn About Mat Work → Learn About Recall →
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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.