Getting Started with Heelwork: Puppy Gundog Training

Heelwork is one of the first and most important foundations for your gundog puppy. Done right, it builds control, trust, and sets the tone for your entire training journey. And the best time to start? From day one.

This guide is designed for new gundog owners—especially those with working Labradors or Spaniels—who want to build confident, responsive heelwork from the very beginning.

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🐾 What is Heelwork?

Heelwork means your dog walks calmly and consistently by your side, focused and ready for your next cue. In gundog work, this control is essential—for shoot days, working tests, and everyday safety.

At the puppy stage, it’s less about perfect foot position and more about teaching:

• Focus and engagement
• Position at your side (usually left)
• That walking by your side = reward and fun!

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⏱️ When Should I Start?

You can begin light heelwork from 8 weeks old, once your puppy is settled at home. Short, fun sessions build familiarity with the heel position before bad habits (like pulling or drifting) take root.

Start early—prevention is easier than correction.

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🎓 Step-by-Step: Teaching Your Puppy to Heel

1. Set the Environment

• Choose a quiet, distraction-free space (kitchen, hallway, enclosed garden)
• Use a flat collar or slip lead, or begin off-lead indoors

2. Introduce the Position

• Stand still with a treat or toy in your left hand
• When your pup comes to your side, say “Good heel!” and reward
• Repeat until they begin to choose the heel side

3. Movement Games

• Walk forward 1–2 steps and reward your pup for staying beside you
• Change direction often—make it a game!
• Use a high-pitched voice or toy to keep attention

4. Add the Cue

• As your puppy gets into position, start saying “Heel”
• Keep it consistent—timing matters! Say it just before or as they move with you

5. Use Food Bowl Rehearsals

• Hold their bowl, walk a few steps with them at heel, then reward with the meal
• Over time, require slightly more heelwork before feeding

6. Keep Sessions Short and Sweet

• 2–5 minutes is plenty for pups
• Stop before your puppy gets bored
• Aim for 2–3 fun sessions per day

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💡 Top Tips for Early Heel Training

✅ Reward often—every step at first ✅ Be upbeat—your energy drives their engagement ✅ Don't correct pulling yet—redirect instead ✅ Avoid retractable leads—they teach constant pulling ✅ End with a game or tug to keep it positive

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🧪 Sample Puppy Heel Games

🍪 “Catch Up Heel”

1. Drop a treat behind you
2. Walk forward
3. Pup catches up to heel = mark + reward

🚶 “Change Direction Game”

1. Walk in one direction
2. Randomly turn
3. Reward your pup for staying with you

These build responsiveness, handler focus, and understanding of staying near your side.

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🛑 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Mistake	Fix
Long, boring walks	Keep sessions short and play-based
Overusing lead pressure	Use food/toy luring first, then add lead later
Starting in busy environments	Begin in low-distraction areas (indoors or fenced garden)
Using “heel” too soon	Don’t label until they understand the position
Expecting perfection too fast	Progress takes weeks—stay patient!

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🧠 When to Move On

When your pup can:

• Follow you for 10–15 steps on a loose lead
• Focus through light distractions
• Stay on one side without constant luring

...it’s time to advance to outdoor walks and structured reinforcement.

Ready for next steps? Read our Heelwork Maintenance Guide

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🎯 Summary

Heelwork starts at home, not in the field. By building this foundational behaviour from puppyhood, you’re setting your gundog up for success—whether that’s in a field trial, working test, or simply being a joy to walk.

• Start early
• Keep it fun
• Reward engagement
• Train little and often