19/06/2025
Why I Taught My Reactive Dog An Off-Lead Heel (And Why You Might Want To Too!)
As many of you know, Nya is a reactive dog — which means she can make decisions very quickly when startled or surprised, especially on walks.
When we approach blind corners or bends, I call her into heel so she’s by my side. If something’s there a dog, person, or surprise trigger - she’s not charging ahead making a poor choice..
By bringing her to heel she is now:
- calmly by my side.
- I’m in control of the situation.
- If something is around that corner, she doesn’t get the chance to make a poor decision.
- i can choose to clip her on-lead, keep her in heel, or release her when I know it’s safe.
This isn’t about over-controlling your dog — it’s about working as a team. Giving them guidance in moments where their natural reaction could land them in hot water. Nya feels safe and confident knowing I’ve got it handled.
Teaching this took time and consistency, but for reactive dogs, it can be a game changer. It turns uncertain moments into calm, managed ones. And THAT, for dogs like Nya, is freedom.