Comprehensive Training Plan for Teaching Your Labrador Retriever to Heel

Teaching your Labrador Retriever to heel is an essential skill that enhances your dog's obedience, improves safety during walks, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. This training plan is designed to guide you through the process step by step, ensuring effective learning and positive reinforcement.

Note: Using a straight edge, such as a long fence line, can be particularly helpful in guiding your dog during training sessions.

Read More: Introducing your Labrador Retriever to Gunfire

Training Objectives

Teach your Labrador to walk calmly beside you on a loose leash.

Establish a reliable recall command for your dog to return to the heel position.

Strengthen the bond between you and your dog through positive reinforcement.

Training Schedule

Duration: 4 Weeks

Frequency: 5 days a week

Session Length: 15-20 minutes per session

Week 1: Foundation Skills

Day 1: Introduction to the Heel Command

Objective:** Familiarize your dog with the "heel" command.

Steps:**

  Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions.

  Use a treat to lure your dog to your side, utilizing a straight edge (like a fence line) to help keep your dog aligned.

  Say “heel” as your dog comes to your side.

  Reward immediately when your dog is in position.

Tip:** Use a clicker if you have one to mark the desired behavior.

Day 2: Positive Reinforcement

Objective:** Reinforce the heel position.

Steps:**

  Practice the heel command again using the fence line as a guide.

  Take a few steps forward while maintaining the heel position.

  Reward your dog for staying beside you.

Tip:** Keep sessions short to maintain focus.

Day 3: Practicing Movement

Objective:** Encourage movement while heeling.

Steps:**

  Walk along the fence line, making it easier for your dog to stay aligned.

  Use the command “heel” as you walk and reward for staying close.

  Introduce “let’s go” to signal movement.

Tip:** Use high-value treats to keep your dog engaged.

Day 4: Introducing Distractions

Objective:** Start introducing mild distractions.

Steps:**

  Practice near the fence line but with added distractions (e.g., toys or people at a distance).

  Maintain focus on your dog with treats.

  Reward for ignoring distractions.

Tip:** Gradually increase distractions as your dog improves.

Day 5: Review and Practice

Objective:** Reinforce skills learned during the week.

Steps:**

  Review all commands and skills learned, using the fence line as a guide.

  Engage in a fun game of fetch or another positive activity after the session.

  Always end on a positive note with rewards.

Week 2: Strengthening the Heel Command

Day 1: Consistency in Commands

Objective:** Ensure your dog responds consistently to the heel command.

Steps:**

  Use the fence line again to help maintain a straight path.

  Vary the pace of your walking (slow, fast) while keeping your dog aligned.

  Reward consistently for staying in position.

Day 2: Adding Duration

Objective:** Increase the duration your dog stays in the heel position.

Steps:**

  Gradually extend the distance and time while heeling along the fence line.

  Reward your dog for maintaining the heel position.

Tip:** Use a timer to track how long your dog can stay in the heel position.

Day 3: More Distractions

Objective:** Work on heeling with more distractions.

Steps:**

  Practice along the fence line in busier areas.

  Introduce toys or other dogs as distractions while maintaining the heel position.

  Reward for maintaining focus despite distractions.

Day 4: Introducing the Sit Command

Objective:** Teach your dog to sit at your side when you stop.

Steps:**

  Use the heel command while walking along the fence line, then stop and say “sit.”

  Reward when your dog sits correctly at your side.

  Practice this at different locations and times.

Day 5: Review and Fun Session

Objective:** Reinforce learned skills and have fun.

Steps:**

  Review heel, sit, and any other commands learned along the fence line.

  Play a game of fetch or engage in another positive activity as a reward.

  End the session positively with treats and praise.

Week 3: Advanced Skills and Real-World Application

Day 1: Incorporating Turns and Stops

Objective:** Teach your dog to follow turns and stop on command.

Steps:**

  Use the fence line to guide your dog while practicing right and left turns.

  Use “stop” to halt your dog, then command “sit.”

  Reward for good performance.

Day 2: Longer Walks

Objective:** Take longer walks while maintaining heel position.

Steps:**

  Choose a longer route with a straight edge to help guide your dog.

  Reward frequently to keep your dog engaged.

Tip:** Gradually increase the duration of walks each session.

Day 3: Adding Commands

Objective:** Teach additional commands during walks.

Steps:**

  Introduce commands like “wait” at curbs while practicing along the fence line.

  Reward for compliance and good behavior.

Tip:** Use hand signals along with verbal commands for clarity.

Day 4: Practicing in New Environment 

Objective:** Generalize the heel command in new settings.

Steps:**

  Visit parks or streets with long, straight paths to practice heeling.

  Practice heeling in different environments, using the straight edge as a guide.

  Continue to reward good behavior.

Day 5: Review and Socialization

Objective:** Reinforce everything learned and encourage socialization.

Steps:**

  Practice heel and other commands during a group dog walk along a straight path.

  Allow your dog to interact with other dogs after training.

  Celebrate successes with treats and praise.

Week 4: Mastery and Maintenance

Day 1: Testing Reliability

Objective:** Test your dog’s reliability in various scenarios.

Steps:**

  Walk in high-distraction environments (e.g., busy parks) using a straight edge to guide.

  Use “heel” and “sit” commands frequently.

  Reward and correct as necessary.

Day 2: Advanced Heeling Techniques

Objective:** Introduce advanced heeling techniques.

Steps:**

  Practice heeling backward or in circles along the fence line.

  Use cones or markers to navigate around while maintaining heel position.

  Reward for successful navigation.

Day 3: Consistency in Commands

Objective:** Ensure your dog responds consistently to all commands.

Steps:**

  Review all commands learned, using the fence line as a guide.

  Practice them in a sequence to build reliability.

Tip:** Include family members in training for consistency.

Day 4: Fun Challenge Day

Objective:** Make training enjoyable and engaging.

Steps:**

  Set up an obstacle course for your dog to heel through, using the fence line as a boundary.

  Incorporate commands learned into a fun game.

  Celebrate with lots of praise and treats.

Day 5: Evaluation and Future Goals

Objective:** Assess progress and set future training goals.

Steps:**

  Review your dog’s progress over the past month.

  Identify areas for improvement and set new goals.

  Celebrate achievements with a fun outing or playtime.

Conclusion

Consistent practice and positive reinforcement are key to successfully teaching your Labrador Retriever to heel. Utilizing a straight edge like a fence line

can help guide your dog, making the training process smoother. Remember to keep training sessions fun and engaging, and always end on a positive note. With dedication and patience, you and your dog will enjoy many wonderful walks together!