Course Details
In a heeling pattern, the first few steps can affect the entire exercise. If your dog is distracted during those crucial moments, regaining their focus can prove challenging. On the flip side, if your dog begins the pattern with attentiveness and confidence, the overall performance is likely to shine.
This workshop is all about those crucial first few steps.
We’ll break down the beginning of motion into small, achievable pieces so your dog learns exactly how to step forward into heel position — clean, straight, and engaged. You’ll learn how to use reward placement, reinforcement cues, and strategic games to build value for heel position before movement, setting your dog up for success from that very first step.
We’ll explore multiple techniques, including:
- Using specific reinforcement cues (“Get it,” “Bounce,” “Bee,” “Tush,” “Dish,” etc.) to influence heel position
- Reward placement that prevents forging, lagging, wrapping, or wide position
- Pocket Hand and sustained nose touch for confidence and head position
- Find Heel games, cone sends, treat tosses, and movement patterns to build energy and drive
- First steps from both a sit and a stand using nose touch as a target behavior
Throughout the workshop, you’ll experiment to find what works best for your dog — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to set up the start of your heel so your dog steps off with enthusiasm, focus, and precision. No more hoping the dog starts well — you’ll have a strategy that makes it happen.
If you want heeling that starts clean and stays connected, this workshop will show you how to get there.
This workshop previously ran under a different course number. Please check your Class and Workshop Library to prevent a duplicate purchase.
Watch the Trailer:
Lecture Publish Date: Sunday Nov 23rd
Video Submissions Due Date: Sunday Nov 30th @ 12pm noon PT
Feedback & Questions Video Publish Date: Wednesday Dec 3rd
Instructor: Nicole Wiebusch Nicole Wiebusch CPDT-KA (she/her) has been active in dog sports for over 25 years. What began with 4-H quickly grew into a lifelong passion for dog sports. (Click here for full bio and to view Nicole's upcoming courses)
