Heel Training for Gundogs: A Step-By-Step Guide For Pets & Working Dogs

What You'll Learn in This Video

You’ll gain valuable insights into:

• Correct use of slip leads
• Timing and use of the “heel” command
• Managing pulling and excitement
• Introducing lead work from the car
• Walking two dogs at heel together
• The importance of calm handling

⏱️ Time-Stamped Training Itinerary

Use the guide below to revisit specific training moments:

0:38 – Introduction to heel

1:40 – Getting the lead out

4:02 – Focus

6:02 – Putting the lead on

6:37 – Example of pulling on a lead

9:24 – Using the word "Heel"

10:46 – Where to start

12:48 – Spaniel learning to heel

16:30 – Getting out of the car

20:48 – Talking the root cause

21:49 – Figure of 8 and slip leads

23:47 – Harnesses and fitting a slip lead

28:55 – Dropping the lead

31:40 – Spaniel heeling from car

34:01 – Spaniel figure of 8

41:45 – Car manners

42:55 – Two dogs learning heel together

📌 Training Notes

All techniques shown are pressure-free, reward-based, and grounded in decades of experience.

The dogs featured are at different stages of training to give realistic, helpful examples.

Carl explains why things go wrong and how to fix them.