How to BUILD a LOOSE LEASH Heel

Because a calm walk starts with clear communication.

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A loose-leash Heel is all about teaching your dog what the leash actually means. And that starts with pairing the leash in a positive way.

1. Pair the Leash with a Reward

You want your dog to understand that a gentle tug on the leash means good things are coming. Think about it... the leash is usually the one thing that keeps them back from where they want to go — So, how can you expect them to follow it.

Here’s how:

• Small Tug = Reward: Give a little, gentle tug on the leash and immediately follow it with a treat or a bit of petting. You’re showing your dog that the leash is a signal for something positive.

• Repeat: Do this a few times so the dog starts associating that gentle tug with a positive outcome, whether that’s a piece of kibble, a pat, or a calm “Good dog.”

Make sure the leash is properly placed — ideally up behind the ears, using a well-fitted slip lead or training collar. This positioning helps with clearer communication.

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2. Build the Calm Heel from There

Once the dog understands that a gentle leash tug means a reward is coming, you’re halfway there. Now, start moving with the dog:

• Walk a few steps and reward for staying by your side. Keep your hand close (Far enough away so there's no consistent pressure — But close enough, so if they start pulling you can use those small tugs if the dog starts to drift away.) At times, when they return to the correct spot, reward them again — either with a treat, or a bit of praise.

• Gradually, the dog learns that staying next to you is what earns what they want.

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3. Turning Tugs into a Loose Leash Habit

Over time, you’ll notice you need fewer and fewer tugs. The dog will naturally stay at your side because they’ve learned that the best place to be is right next to you. The main goal is not to get your hand farther and farther away. It’s to have your hand give less and less maintenance over time. Once the maintenance is minimal, you can begin moving your hand farther away, allowing the dog to continue tracking right next to you.

Remember: Calm, Confident, and Consistence — And a solid “No” for any unwanted pulling