The “Heel” command has a ton of value for both the pet parent and the dog because it adds control to the walk and mental exercise for the dog. It provides leadership, drains energy, and creates relaxation in ways that a loose leash walk does not. In this article we give a few helpful tips for teaching your dog to pull less on their lead.

While the idea of dog training goes hand-in-hand with puppyhood, dogs and humans of any age can benefit from the professional advice and guidance of a certified dog trainer. As total dog nerds here at Rover-Time, we’re always eager for the chance to learn more about canine behavior and the science that goes into dog training. I’ve recently had the opportunity to explore this firsthand with the adoption of my dog, Gretchen. When it became apparent that Gretchen had some tendencies towards leash reactivity, her rescue organization, One Tail at a Time, linked me with certified dog trainer and behavior specialist, Yvonne Feeney.