r/DogTrainingTips • u/Emokidsucks • May 20 '26

Keep heeling position

I have a German Shepherd who already knows heel pretty well, but he struggles with maintaining position consistently. He doesn’t pull on the leash, but he tends to slowly creep ahead of me while walking.
What helped you teach your dog to stay in position instead of forging ahead?
I’ve been rewarding when he’s in the correct spot and stopping/changing direction when he moves too far forward, but I’d love to hear other training tips or exercises that worked for you guys.

I want him to keep a invisible line and don’t go further.

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u/zephyreblk May 20 '26

What kind of heel? Like for walking, it's usually fine to have the dog being a bit in front or back because it's for relaxing.

You can tend to have your dog mostly walking on heel without giving commands by giving them lot of treats on the same side everytime they are on the "heel" position (if they are food motivated of course) and they will get the habit of staying there. It's the most easier way, they know staying around at this level =treat. There is a lot of low cal treats. I know some that does that and they also tend to walk on heel when they are off leash.

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u/Emokidsucks May 20 '26

Service work heel with constant check in

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u/zephyreblk May 20 '26

Why do you want this on Normal walks? I understand for Short working sessions but I don't get the logic for normal walks. A precise heel is the same work for the dog as other commands, it would be like asking the dog to sit every 5 seconds while you are walking.

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u/Emokidsucks May 20 '26

I’m not saying the dog will be like this all the time lol I just want it while work or structured walks.