Kugae Heel Slip Lead

Kugae Heel Slip Lead – Designed by Trainers, Built for Control

The Kugae Heel Slip Lead is Kugae’s signature lead, designed, tested, and trusted by our own trainers. Crafted from durable 10mm polypropylene rope and finished with a stainless steel ring, adjustable neck stop, and looped handle, it combines traditional style with modern training function. At 77cm in length, it offers just the right amount of control for steady heelwork with Retrievers, Pointers, and other larger gundog breeds.

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Why Use a Heel Slip Lead?

A heel slip lead offers a fast, humane, and efficient way to communicate with your dog. Unlike clip-on leads, this design gently tightens with pressure and releases instantly once the dog returns to the correct position. This creates immediate, clear feedback that rewards calm behaviour and discourages pulling.

When used properly, the Kugae Heel Slip Lead helps the dog understand what’s expected. It reinforces good habits through soft corrections—ideal for developing consistency, calmness, and attentiveness during heelwork.

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Ideal for Close Control in Gundog Training

Keeping a dog close is essential when training gundogs for the field. The Kugae Heel Slip Lead encourages the dog to stay by your side without the need for constant verbal cues. This makes it perfect for early-stage obedience training and for reinforcing steadiness in more advanced fieldwork.

Whether you’re preparing a young dog for future trials or refining the behaviour of an older one, this slip lead supports consistent communication and better results.

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Transitioning to Off-Lead Control

As your training progresses, the lead becomes an excellent bridge to off-lead reliability. Dogs learn to respond to subtle cues from the lead—pressure and release—that can eventually be replaced with voice and body signals.

With practice, the dog’s responsiveness improves, reducing the chance of unwanted behaviours like running ahead or losing focus. The consistent handling the Kugae Heel Slip Lead provides makes this off-lead transition smoother and more natural.

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Structured Exercises for Better Heelwork

Several key routines help you get the most from your heel slip lead:

Heelwork Drills

Position the lead high on the neck, just behind the ears. Walk with your dog on the left, using light contact. Praise correct heel position. If the dog pulls forward, stop and allow the lead to tighten briefly. Then release and resume walking. This builds focus and positional awareness.

Stop-Start Practice

Walk together, then stop suddenly. If the dog doesn’t stop with you, gently correct and cue a sit. This teaches the dog to stay alert and react quickly to your movement.

Figure-of-Eight Training

Change directions and pace in a figure-of-eight pattern. The dog must adapt to your cues instead of moving on autopilot. This improves handling and reinforces steady walking.

From Lead to Off-Lead

As the dog gains confidence, let the lead hang loosely over its back. This gives the feel of freedom while retaining control. Correct gently as needed. Over time, you’ll be able to remove the lead entirely while maintaining heelwork using just commands.

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Built to Perform, Designed to Last

• Signature design by Kugae Gundogs

• Used daily by our own trainers

• 10mm polypropylene rope

• Adjustable stop to prevent over-tightening

• Looped handle for comfort and security

• Stainless steel ring for smooth motion

• Traditional style, 77cm in length

The Kugae Heel Slip Lead is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s a vital part of our daily training. It provides the control and communication needed to build a reliable working relationship with your dog.

Check out our other specialist & recommended items in the Dog Training Equipment Watch the Kugae Gundog Team in action on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@KugaeGundogs