The follow me game is a great foundation for both on- and off-leash heeling. By its very nature, it fosters your dog's attention on you and your leadership. You'll want to play this game when your dog is hungry and use high-value treats.

Location, Location, Location

To start, you'll want a fairly low-distraction venue. You can play the game anywhere, indoors or out, where you have some room to move in straight lines, preferably at least 15 to 20 feet in any direction, but smaller areas are okay to start with. Try basements, garages, basketball or tennis courts, your yard or another fenced area, or any open space that is safe and where the distraction level is reasonable or controllable. If you're working in a large or unfenced area, let your dog drag a long dragline so you can step on it if necessary to keep her from wandering.

Playing the Game

If you're in a fairly small, safe area, you can play this game with your dog off leash. Otherwise, let her drag a leash or dragline. Start out by facing your dog. CR/treat 3 times, then back away a couple of steps. If your dog follows you, CR/treat. Repeat 3 to 4 times, then turn so your dog is on your left. CR/treat your dog just for being on your left side. Take a few steps, CR/treating immediately if she follows. Start walking. Pay attention to your dog, but don't encourage her to follow you in any way. Just CR/treat, always by your left side, any time she attempts to follow you. At first, you'll be CR/treating every few steps. As soon as you've given her treats, take off walking again at a normal pace; don't wait for her. Don't worry about what she does; just keep walking, changing direction so you can pass her to give her a chance to follow you again if necessary. Once she has the idea and is trotting happily by your left side, getting CR/treated at varying intervals, try to lose her by turning to your right and walking away from her. Have a party when she catches up. Repeat a few times and quit while she still wants to play.

In subsequent sessions, try harder to lose her, and gradually add distraction to challenge her commitment level. As soon as she's showing some reliability under distraction, put her on a variable schedule of reinforcement to help the commitment stick, but praise often when she's getting it right. When she understands the game, insert your walking command, like “Heel” or “Let's go” before you start walking.