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Competition heeling requires 2 skills: attention and heeling.

Here’s a 4-part mini-series to help you perfect it.

Let’s dive into how Ivan Balabanov teaches two-way attention in part 1.

In Partnership with Ivan Balabanov

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What separates competition heeling from normal heeling? Attention.

Ivan has 3 principles that have helped him win 2 IPO3 world championships and 12 national championships.

1. Heeling is a passive state: the dog maintains a specific position in relation to you until released.

2. Attention and heeling are separate skills under separate commands.

3. Teach attention first, then heeling.

Part 1: How To Teach Two-Way Attention

1. Stand Upright: Hold a treat or toy at waist level and make sure your dog can always see it. Position them in a “Stand".

2. Say “Watch”: Patiently wait for eye contact. Release with “Yes” and a reward.

3. Increase Duration: Say “Good” to encourage held eye contact. Release with “Yes” and a reward. If they break eye contact, say “No” and 🔁.

4. Add Movements: Incrementally step forward, change your position, or increase distance away from them. They should move loosely on your left while maintaining uninterrupted mutual eye contact.

5. Add Distractions: Swing a toy, enlist helpers to lure your dog, or introduce other dogs. Their gaze should not shift momentarily with any distraction.

The Result

With two-way attention, your dog learns to hold uninterrupted eye contact—no matter their position, distractions, or your body cues.

Attention training isn’t just for competition heeling—it’s the foundation for building engagement, making obedience in distracting environments so much easier.

What’s your biggest challenge with teaching attention?

Weekly Treats

Sam’s Picks

• Competition Heeling Explained: Ivan Balabanov’s breakdown—Watch here.

• Meet Buzz: A quiet, low-energy Malinois—Adopt here.

• Meet Charizard: A cuddly Malinois raised with kids—Adopt here.

• Meet Gracie Lou: A 3-legged Malinois full of life—Adopt here.

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