You cannot teach focused heeling if your dog is looking at the environment. The first step in the Ellis methodology has nothing to do with moving forward; it is about building . 1. Charging the Marker
“That was beautiful,” Michael said. “Where did you learn that last piece?”
By following these steps, you can embark on a rewarding journey of discovery and improvement in focused heeling, ultimately strengthening your bond with your dog and achieving success in agility training. Focused Heelingwith Michael Ellis Torrent
Step into the dog's space slightly. To maintain its front paws on the bowl, the dog must step sideways with its hind legs.
"Focused Heeling with Michael Ellis" is considered by many to be a revolutionary work in the world of dog training. It is the third in the Michael Ellis series of training DVDs, and many feel it is the best one yet. You cannot teach focused heeling if your dog
Heeling is a dance between two species. Ellis breaks down the handler’s footwork, teaching how to execute clean left turns, right turns, about-turns, and automatic sits without crowding or bumping into the dog. 4. Fading the Lure
is widely considered one of the most comprehensive and revolutionary instructional systems for teaching a dog precise, high-engagement competition-style heeling. Produced in partnership with Leerburg , this methodology moves away from old-school, punitive "yank and crank" leash corrections, replacing them with a system built entirely on marker training, engagement, and muscle memory. Charging the Marker “That was beautiful,” Michael said
The system shifts the dog’s focus away from a hand holding food toward a specific focal point on the handler's body, such as the face or left pocket. Key Stages of the Focused Heeling Curriculum 1. Establishing Engagement and Static Focus
To the uninitiated, heeling looks like a dog walking nicely at a owner’s side. However, in the context of Michael Ellis’s training system, "Focused Heeling" is a high-drive, highly precise behavior. It requires the dog to maintain a specific position relative to the handler (typically looking up at the handler’s face) while moving dynamically.
Michael Ellis' approach to focused heeling emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear, consistent communication system between you and your dog. He advocates for the use of positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards and praise, to encourage desired behaviors. Ellis also stresses the need to understand and respond to your dog's individual needs, learning style, and personality.
If you want to tailor this training progression to your specific dog, let me know: What is your dog?