“Why Your Dog Still Can’t Heel… and Why It’s Not the Dog’s Fault”
- Todd Agnew
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
The #1 Mistake Handlers Make with Heel Training
Why Consistency is Everything in Gun Dog Obedience
“Train with intention or don’t train at all.”
Let’s talk about heeling—one of the most basic, essential commands your gun dog should master. And yet, it’s one of the most commonly overlooked or inconsistently practiced parts of training.
So why is heeling such a problem for so many?
Here’s the truth: It’s not because your dog isn’t smart enough. It’s not because your breed is “too driven.” It’s not because it’s “just a puppy.” It’s because you aren’t being consistent.
Consistency Beats Complexity
Heeling doesn’t require secret tactics or expensive tools. What it does require is repetition, clear expectations, and follow-through. If one day you expect a perfect heel and the next you let your dog drag you to the field with no correction, you're not training—you’re confusing.
Dogs thrive when the rules are clear. If “heel” only matters sometimes, your dog learns that it doesn’t matter at all.
Start Early—But It's Never Too Late
Teaching heel should begin early—puppy walks, lead work, touch stick, focus-building. But if you missed that window, don’t panic. You can still teach a reliable heel with intention and effort. Start today! Start now, but don’t start and then ignore it for two weeks. Practice daily.
Set the Standard and Stick to It
Heeling isn’t just about walking nicely. It’s about obedience, control, and the relationship you’re building with your dog. If you let them ignore heel now, what happens when it really matters—like in a trial or wild bird hunting?
Again, Set the standard. Stick to it.
That’s how you build a dog that listens under pressure.
The Bottom Line
Heeling is not difficult……but it does require YOU to do the work. If you're not showing up with clarity, consistency, and patience—don't expect the dog to get it.
Teach it. Expect it. Reinforce it.
Your future hunting dog—and your shoulder—will thank you.
📌 It’s not your dog’s fault.
📌 It’s not about genetics.
📌 It’s not about age. It’s about what you allow.
Dogs don’t “kind of” learn heel.
They either know the standard—or they don’t.
And that’s on you.
Want your dog to heel reliably in the field and around distractions?
Train like you mean it.