The Command

Walk with your puppy on a short leash at your side. I train all our new pups to walk on the left, reason being I shoot right handed. Should you plan to hunt your retriever teach them to heel on the opposite side that you shoot. Not planning on hunting your retriever then walk him on the side you feel comfortable with. Walk slowly and keep the leash tight and keep repeating the word “Heel”, make sure you keep them at your side and don’t let them walk ahead of you or lag behind. Should they move ahead tug the leash back to bring them back to your side. The same goes if they lag behind only tug on the leash forward to bring them to your side. Remember all the while you are teaching this keep repeating the word “Heel”. Teaching your puppy to heel at your side should only take a day or two. Once he has learned the heel command and is walking at your side you can start to make some turns. Turn to the left and right and even due a complete turns to go in the opposite direction. Make him stay at your side by tugging lightly on the leash. The objective is for them to learn to follow and watch your movement.