The 'heel' command is one of the most important dog training commands and one of the best tools to have at your disposal when you are out walking your dog or puppy.

However, before you start training your dog to heel you should have trained your dog that sit means sit.

1. Start with your dog in the 'sit' position position and keep him on your left hand side.

To master your dog walking to heel it is best to use a telescopic leash (we strongly recommend purchasing one of these dog training devices) and as we are using positive reinforcement you should also have a treat in your right hand.

2. Now you should have your dog on your left hand side and and you should be holding the leash very close to your dog's collar.

3. Now by using your dog's name and by repeating the 'Heel' command start walking slowly forwards leading with your left leg.

4. After your dog has walked by your side after a few steps you should then give your dog some praise and the treat.

5. When your dog is successfully walking by your side or to 'Heel' and is not pulling on the leash. You can now start training your dog to turn to the right, you can do this by using the treat as a lure and incentive.

6. If you want to train your dog to turn to the left, you should start by sliding your hand down to the collar and slowly increasing your speed and using your left leg as the leading leg.

Still using a treat as a lure and using your dog's name and the 'Heel' command, slowly turn your dog in a circle.

Your dog will automatically follow the treat as you both turn. Congratulations, you have learned how to train a dog to heel.

This is something to remember with all basic dog training commands

4. Now your dog has picked up his toy, you should give the 'come' command, you can learn this in our section on training your dog to come.

Your dog is still attached to the leash so crouch down and if your dog is hesitating give a couple of gentle tugs on the leash.

You should now be crouched down and have your hand open so that it is ready to take the toy from your dog.

5. As soon as your dog has come to you, you should give your dog lots and lots of praise and repeat 'good dog' and stroke your him a few times. You want to let your dog understand that you are very happy with him.

6. Now put your hand directly under your dog's jaw so that you don't drop the toy and stand up with your hand on the toy.

As you stand up still holding the toy say 'thank you'. As you say thank you firmly take the toy from your dog's mouth.

7. So that your dog knows that you are still the pack leader and the on in control ask your dog to sit. You can now return the object to your dog as a final reward for being such a good dog.