Our Toolbox 🧰 Learn About Sponsorships

What separates a 2x world champion’s heeling method from 99% of trainers?

Using your leg instead of your hand.

Here’s what I wish I knew about teaching heeling.

In partnership with Ivan Balabanov

Weekly Bite

Teaching heeling with your hand seems easier, until your dog can’t heel without it.

Here’s how to avoid that trap with Ivan’s method, using your leg.

Part 3: How To Teach Heeling Using Your Leg

1. Prep Your Training Space: Mark out a visible quadrant on the floor.

2. Take Position: Calmly sit your dog in the Starting Position and stand in the Finishing Position while holding their collar.

   

3. Move into First Position: Say “Heel” and step back, guiding them sideways into a sit beside your back left leg. If successful, release with “Yes” and a reward. 🔁 until fluent, then replace “Yes” with “Good”.

4. Move into Finishing Position: Say “Heel” again and step forward, guiding them into a sit beside your left leg. If successful, release with “Yes” and a reward.

5. Perfect the Heel: When they begin anticipating the Finishing Position, replace your hand cues with subtle arm and leg gestures. 🔁 until they don’t need to follow your leg to achieve the Finishing Position.

Want more than my homemade GIF? Check out Ivan’s free 2-min heeling demo.👇️

The Result

With Ivan’s method, your dog will heel by voice command alone—ignoring your body cues, distractions, and reward positions.

You’ve also built your dog’s hind end awareness—teaching them to shift from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive for more efficient movement and fewer injuries.

Weekly Treats

Sam’s Picks

• Missed Part 2? Here’s my guide to one-way attention. (LINK)

• Want to build hind end awareness? Here are some exercises. (LINK)

• Need a trainer in central Florida? Get an assessment and advanced training from a member of our community. (LINK)

• Want to adopt an 8-month old Malinois? Stray dog Mimi needs a home. (LINK)

Tail End Trivia

Suggestion Box