Heeling:  loose-leash walking and the safety zone Prerequisite:  Distraction Proofing Heeling Turns and the Safety Zone:  As you begin the heeling exercises outlined below, you will need to use specific turns at specific times to show your dog that it is best if it stays with you while walking. A dog who travels on it's owners left, no further ahead than it's eyes even with the owner's left leg is in the safe haven of the owner's protection and leadership - physically AND mentally.   Imagine you and your dog have an enormous clock on the ground around you.  You are in the center, with your dog on the left.  Your clock travels with you, and you always begin facing 12 o'clock. 1.  If your dog is forging ahead wildly, use your right about-face turns (drop slack and turn towards 6 o'clock).  Remember:  Drop the slack from your lead just as you turn, and recollect it as your dog catches up!  This will keep the dog on its toes as to which direction you’re headed.  Remember to continue walking for at least 15 paces after a right about turn. 2.  If your dog is simply edging out in front of you, use a 90-degree left turn (head for 9 o'clock).  Quickly cut off his line of sight - you may occasionally 'clip' him...his own fault for being too far forward!   This will teach him that the safety zone is just a touch back from where he though it was. 3.  If your dog is either lagging behind, or heeling wide on your left, use an abrupt, over-exaggerated 90-degree right turn (head for 3 o'clock).    Move quickly, and continue walking in the new direction for at least 15 paces. 4.  If your dog is a trickster and has decided the right side of you is more fun than the left, collect all of your slack and make a right turn directly into the dog, and continue moving into him, shuffling your feet and winching him tight with the leash until he is uncomfortable enough to find the correct position.  As soon as your dog moves back to the left, praise and continue heeling. Practice varying your speed from slow to quick to normal, etc. 1.  With the dog at your LEFT side, in the heel position, say ‘heel,’ and step forward with your LEFT foot. 2.  Walk forward until the dog either forges ahead, edges ahead, lags behind, swings wide, or comes to the right side of you. 3.  Use the turns outlined above to remind your dog of the safety zone.   4.  Each time you have to change direction with a turn, try to take at least 15 steps in the new direction.  If your dog the leaves the heel zone, then simply use the appropriate turn.