The five-step method for footwork on autopilot

It's summer, it's hot, and you're feeling overwhelmed by everything. A walk with your dog in the woods or another cool, shady spot can help. You must take a calm, relaxed walk together so that you can not only cool down physically but also clear your heads and find some peace. After all, in these temperatures, no one needs a test of strength like "who can pull harder on the leash?"

Today, I'll show you how to implement these steps step by step, so you and your dog can learn at your own pace—until your dog has mastered autopilot and you can enjoy a relaxed walk, no matter what else is wandering or flying around. Because the thing is, many people actually want to train heelwork, but most don't know where to start or how to train. That's why I'm now introducing you to my proven five-step heelwork method, which has helped thousands of dogs learn to walk at heel relaxedly.

Basics for a structured training approach

First, a few general tips:

You need a start and end ritual for the first three steps, as you only integrate the basic position into heelwork starting in step 4. This means that your heelwork always begins with the start signal, followed by the learning phase, and finally, the end ritual signals to your dog that the training is complete.
Also, ensure you can successfully implement each step with your dog before moving on to the next. Start with a very low incentive and increase it with each step. Suppose the incentive is too high; simply back off a step. When your dog is ready for more, move on.

Step 1: Finding the Foot Position

Your dog learns to position itself correctly, i.e., next to your leg, without chaos.

Goal: Your dog walks 20 steps close to your leg consistently.

Step 2: Establish the "foot" signal

Five-step method for footwork on autopilot. Now that your dog knows what's expected of him, it's time to name the whole thing: "Heel!" With this clear verbal signal, you clearly show your dog what to do. If it works, he gets a specific reward; if not, you correct him by walking backwards.

Goal: about 3 minutes of practice time.

Step 3: Increase temptation and off-leash heelwork.

Children, cyclists, or other dogs – no matter who or what is running around, your dog will stay by your side. The patience and structure of your previous training will pay off, and autopilot will kick in: Your dog knows where he belongs, even when things get tense around him. Now you can begin the first exercises in free heelwork off-leash.

Goal: approximately 10 minutes of practice time with much hustle and bustle.

If you've completed the first three steps, I have good and bad news for you. The good news: You're well on your way to autopilot! The bad news? You're not finished yet, because things are about to get really exciting: With steps 4 and 5, you'll ensure your dog has mastered the autopilot in their sleep and can call it off at any time, thus ensuring long-term success in your training.

Step 4: Integrate the Basic Position.

Instead of the start and end rituals, you introduce the basic position and combine it with your heelwork. You start and end the heelwork in the basic position and then release your dog.

Important: For this to work, your dog should already have mastered the basic position, which means you should have established it safely without the heelwork.

Step 5: Now comes the Final Bosses

Now it's time to tackle your final bosses in heelwork: water, playing dogs, running game—whatever freaked your dog out at the beginning of your heeling journey will now be addressed. To do this, you'll increasingly practice heelwork off-leash and can even use it as a relaxation signal in a tricky situation.

Important: This final step will stay with you for life! You'll integrate heelwork into your daily routine and your daily walks. Practice will become a habit. Your dog will automatically remain with you, no matter what temptations arise.

Briefly summarised again:

Five-step method for footwork on autopilot. Start with a ritual. Go through one stage after another—from a nearly boring, zero-distraction environment to a chaotic environment with no shortage of distractions. Does it go wrong? No problem, just reduce the distractions and go back to the previous stage. Does it go well? Perfect, then your dog will now receive even more stimulation and enticements—you know the drill.

Congratulations, your dog can use autopilot!

By the way, a little fun fact: Many dogs who have learned autopilot will eventually happily walk in the heel position on their own – without being asked, without a leash, but simply because they enjoy it and feel safe with you.

Why this method really works

Training with structure instead of random, haphazard training.
Always the same processes: signal, position, ritual = this brings clarity for humans and dogs.
Clear signals for your dog: He knows exactly what to do (unlike traditional leash training, which makes him more concerned with guessing).
Measurable successes: "Hey, my dog can do 20 steps" is a quantifiable success and much more apparent than saying "Oh, he's walking" or "Oh, he's not walking"—there aren't just yes and no, but also lots of small successes in between.

There's less confusion and visible, measurable progress thanks to clear rules. With systematic challenges, you and your dog can grow together and train with fun instead of frustration. Confidence in heelwork grows, motivation stays, and your walks are enjoyable.

Conclusion:

Heelwork isn't just for show dogs or purebred dogs, but for every dog and every human. It's the key to relaxed walks and a truly collaborative relationship. With my five-step method, you can turn "we just walk somehow" into an actual team experience.

Final tip: Stay with it, take it step by step—and enjoy your walks together. So, on your paws, ready, go!

So, now you know precisely how to help your dog stay calm and relaxed in stressful situations. But quiet and relaxation are two sides—your dog also needs exercise! In the following article in this series, I'll explain why the classic ball-throwing game is counterproductive for exercising your dog. Of course, I'll also show you how to ensure your dog feels properly exercised. After all, you want both: a relaxed walk with your dog and a tired and well-stimulated dog at the end of the day.