10 Fundamental STEPS For a Focused HEEL!

In today's video, we are going to be working on the first ten 10 fundamental steps of a focused heel.

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The focused heel is an obedience exercise that requires the dog to stand on the left side of the handler, walk at the same pace as the handler, and maintaining eye contact. This is considered one of the most complicated behaviors to teach a dog to perform correctly. It requires many hours of practice, however, if you put the time in, this can quickly become one of your favorite exercises to do with your dog.

Here are the ten steps in order:
1) Engagement training/teaching the markers/developing the sit front
2) Developing your dogs focus in the heel position
3) Developing your dogs focus in the center position
4) Teach your dog to walk while maintaining the center position
5) Use power steering to teach your dog how to maintain heel position while walking.
6) Use power steering to teach the auto sit when halted
7) Learning and stepping with the heel command using food
8) Learning and stepping with the heel command without food
9) Teach your dog to pivot left by using the spiral technique
10) Teach your dog to pivot right by using the spiral technique

Be sure to check out all the other dog training videos on my channel. You will learn how to train your dog to sit, down, come, heel, stay, and much more. One of the most common questions I receive is how to potty train a dog. Well, guess what, we have that video as well. Not to mention how to crate train a dog and even service dog training.

Follow me:

[bettymcconnell]

The person who gave a thumbs down is a jealous trainer you are stealing the show when it comes to given out free lessons I am learning them all and my girl is doing great thank you

[raysofrosie]

This is the most in depth, easy to understand, and effective video I have ever seen for focused heel training. I’m trying to train my medical alert SD the basics on my own so I only have to pay for the specialized alert and response training and videos like this help me out so freaking much. Thank you so much for this video and anyone questioning if it works.. IT DOES. FANTASTICALLY.

[carmenbailey]

What I loved most was seeing the dog's mistakes here and there. It keeps it real!

[ellenbessemans]

I recently adopted an 8 month old Belgian Malinois from the shelter and was overwhelmed with negative behavior that I’ve had to correct. Watching this video alone I put my dog in a focused heel and center walking command within a couple days. I’ve watched countless training vids, but this is the most comprehensive and helpful video I’ve watched. Thank you so much for providing an excellent Malinois training vid! My boy is a completely different dog !

[annmcdonough]

The most complete and comprehensive dog training on YouTube. I’m getting my puppy in June. I’ve read 3 books and countless hours on YouTube. These videos are consistent between skills and it’s an approach that builds on the skills. I’m an experienced dog owner but this has taught me a seamless approach!

[dogawalk_adventures]

Love the focus heel. Love teaching it to my clients who have dog reactivity problems with their dogs.

[kristin]

I love how much you take care of Ari, she really has so much fun while training and I admire that.

[cynthiaaustin]

This video made the difference between a continuation marker and a terminal marker clear in a way I hadn't completely understood before. Thank you so much for all your hard work in making these.

[seancompton]

For all civillians who have not been to multiple K9 courses, just know this is a cheat sheet and solid gold! Well done brother, very impressed! Easily top 2-3 best heel teaching videos I have ever seen. Well done!

[CrazySauceEST]

Let me say it's refreshing to see a trainer without corrections or a bunch of video edits. I don't think he even said "no" one time. I LOVE IT! You got a new subscriber. Can't wait to check out your other videos.

[renesansman]

This has got to be the best focused heeling video I have seen. Great content Nate - keep it up

[SparkleChik]

This is amazing. You explain each step so clearly and im starting with my dog doing this now and so far shes getting it so well! Her main struggle is focus and i was looking all over the internet on how i can teach her more consistent focusing. Shes a puppy still about 5mo old but she can learn easy. She already knows 5 commands that are basic ones. She loves to learn. I came across this and will forever follow you for sure. Thank you so much for making this!!!

[JoshuaWriter]

Wow one of the best and most comprehensive videos on heel I've ever found and I've searched and searched for something like this. Absolutely great. Anyone who follows this video and has the patience to get each step completed will have amazing results.

[foxyle]

I want to thank you. I put all your info into practice as my heeling was lacking focus...
Went back to basics, worked hard for few weeks then passed grade 5 obedience. This was what I needed to know to help her to achieve focused heeling. Cheers Nate it's all in the technique!

[FormidableHumanoid]

Wanted to see which foot to step with. This answered questions I didn’t even know to ask such as reward placement and pivot on a line. Thank you!

[johnbasedow]

This is a super helpful video in preparing for AKC Novice competition and for just increasing engagement while walking. 💪🏼🐺

[Sofia-gnrh]

The best dog training video I’ve ever watched. Each step is explained very well, this was very helpful, thank u so much!!

[Nick-yepf]

Unbelievable video. Got more attention from my pup than I've ever had within 5 minutes of following this. Amazing.

[spirit]

I am convinced that you are the best trainer in the universe

[sixtopaguirigan]

Of all the training videos for dogs, nate is the most detailed. You learn a lot from him. Show and tell and explanation. Well done, keep it up!