HEELING FOR COMPETITION

Golden retriever walking alongside a person on grass.

Heeling for Competition / Obedience

Competition heeling is a precise and rewarding skill where the dog learns to walk closely beside the handler while maintaining focus, position, and alignment through a variety of movements and commands.

The goal is for the dog’s right shoulder to remain aligned with the handler’s left leg, which serves as the guiding leg. The dog learns to stay focused on the handler and respond promptly to changes in direction, speed, and movement.

Training competition heeling involves breaking the behavior into small, achievable steps and using techniques such as luring, rewarding, and positive reinforcement to build confidence, understanding, and a strong foundation.

Even if you have no interest in competing, obedience training is something every dog owner should consider. Training helps establish clear communication between you and your dog, strengthens your relationship, and teaches your dog how to be a well-mannered member of the community.

Whether you’re preparing for the competition ring or simply want a better-behaved companion, good obedience skills benefit every dog and handler.

Registration for our next session is now OPEN!!

This is a 6-week class meeting on Monday nights from 4:00-5:00pm at the Clarksville Kennel Club Training Building.

You can register online by clicking here: https://form.jotform.com/ClarksvilleKennelClub/Heeling-obedience

Heeling is one of the most basic skills every dog should learn, and it is a skill that benefits from continued practice

throughout your dog’s training career.

This class will teach both you and your dog the skills needed to develop a reliable heel. We will focus on proper position, communication, attention, and teamwork while helping handlers build the skills needed to continue practicing successfully at home.

Dogs must have passed the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test prior to participating in this class.

If your dog has not yet passed the CGC, scroll down and click on “Canine Good Citizen (CGC)” in the footer

for more information and to sign up.

Files coming soon.