Leash Manners: What's The Big Deal About Heel Anyway?

I hate to say it, but I think there is an over fixation when it comes to the idea of Heel: what it should look like, how to do it, and what it means.

Traditionally, Heel is a common expectation of dogs during walks. It is when a dog walks next to the human, remaining on the same side, with a loose leash, and not deviating off of the path (say, to go smell something exciting!) It is commonly thought that this is good dog behavior and when a dog is not in heel position, it is bad dog behavior. There are many problems with this. One being that this is NOT how dogs naturally, normally, and instinctually move.

Let’s look at home humans move. Humans have a tendency to walk in straight lines and not deviate from the path (because our sense of smell, while an important sensory system, isn’t really how we get information and iterpret the world). Humans also think of walking as a destination point and we are out walking for speed, distance, steps, and time (or a combo of any of the above).

Let’s look at how dogs move. They literally follow their noses! Why? Because smell is how they gather and interpret information about the world. They have the opposite goals and habits of humans. They DO NOT walk in straight lines, they deviate from the path, and don’t give a hoot about walking for speed, distance, steps, or time.

Do I teach Heel? You bet. Do I ask dogs for Heel? Absolutely.

BUT…..keep in mind that there is a time and a place for it (a little secret-it’s less than you think!) Times where it can be most useful and helpful:

• walking in to or out of places like dog supply stores, the vet, the groomer, or daycare

• walking the aisles of dog supply stores

• when needing to pass other humans and dogs on walks

• when on hikes and you need to move off the trail or pass other humans and dogs

• when walking over potentailly icey or slippery surfaces (patches of ice, wet grass)

• when walking up or down hills

• when walking up or down stairs

So basically, it is a needed and appropriate skill that should be taught and worked on. But, just let your dog enjoy their damn walk, please and thank you! Having opportunities to sniff and explore are so enriching and positive to dogs in many ways. Give your dog that gift whenever you can. Your dog will be happier and healthier and your realtionship will be better for it.