Heel vs. Loose-Leash Walking: A Great Take From One of My Favorite Dog Training Blogs

Every once in a while, I come across a dog-training article that explains a topic so well that I think it is worth sharing.

This is one of those articles.

I really like Nicole Wilde’s take on heel versus loose-leash walking. My approach might differ a little in how I teach the skills and how much emphasis I put on things like check-ins, redirection, automatic sits, and building the work gradually through different environments, but philosophically we are very close.

For most pet dogs, I do not need a perfect competition-style heel for an entire walk. I need a dog that can walk without dragging the owner, stay connected enough to respond when needed, and come in closer when safety or the environment calls for it.

I also think it is really important that once you have that foundation in place, you give dogs the freedom to sniff, check things out, and just be dogs. Let’s face it—that is their zen. A walk should not be thirty minutes of rigid obedience. Once your dog understands how to walk politely, stay connected, and respond when you need them to, there should be plenty of room for them to explore and enjoy the world around them.

That is one of the reasons I like this article so much. Nicole does a great job of separating “formal heel” from practical everyday walking, and I think a lot of dog owners would benefit from understanding that distinction.

This is also one of my favorite dog-training blogs to read. Even when another trainer explains something a little differently than I would, I think there is real value in seeing where experienced trainers overlap—and in this case, we are very much on the same page.

At K.I.S.S. Dog Training, that is the goal: practical leash skills that work in the real world, not unnecessary perfection.

For owners looking for dog training in Kansas City, leash pulling and poor leash communication are some of the most common issues I see. The good news is that you can build these skills step by step with consistency, clear communication, and practice in increasingly distracting environments.

If you are struggling with leash pulling or want help building better walking skills, you can contact K.I.S.S. Dog Training and tell me what is going on.

But before you do, take a few minutes and read Nicole Wilde’s original article. If you are one of my clients working on leash skills, I would absolutely recommend it.

Recommended Reading:
Heel? Loose Leash Walking? What Say Ye? — Wilde About Dogs

Read the original article