Dog Days and His WaysНамуна

Heel

A dog that is “at heel” walks along next to its handler, usually on the left side (but either side is fine). A dog at heel has its head and neck aligned with the leg of the handler. Depending on the role of the dog, the heel position can vary. For example, a service dog needs to be watching ahead, looking out for its owner instead of looking up. A hunting or sporting dog looks out ahead for what it is meant to retrieve. Almost all other dogs will maintain a watchful posture, continually catching the gaze of their owner.

In most heel positions, the dog is close to the handler’s leg and is not lagging behind or pulling out in front. The owner maintains control, guiding the dog while keeping a steady pace for easy walking. The wonderful thing about teaching your dog to heel is that your dog remains under your close control. You can communicate with your dog easily and quietly and your dog does not pull your arm while on the lead.

You can also teach “off leash” heeling which can be especially useful when you need your hands free or if you have more than one dog heeling. Practicing regular sessions with your dog usually brings rapid results. With all dog training, consistency counts. With both Fitz and Pearl, I worked with them 10 – 20 minutes, three times a day, rewarding both with praise and treats. It was tiring and hard at times, but it paid off. I have been just like the young and stubborn Pearl so many times in my life. Once my father-in-law gently reminded to not “get ahead of God” when I asked him for some advice. “If you stay in step with Him, the rest will fall into place,” he wisely shared. He is so right. For a dog barreling forward, without guidance or direction, the result is usually not the best. It’s the same with me. When I stick close to Jesus, keeping my eyes fixed on Him the outcome is most beneficial.

As you practice heeling with you dog, it’s important to not move too far out to begin with. Take one step at a time. Treat your dog as they move with you, following your “heel” command and/or hand signal. You add distance gradually, once they understand. After your dog walks in a straight line well, you can add more distance and changes in directions. Adding the command “sit” or “wait” when you stop is helpful. There are lots of ways dogs learning to heel can get easily distracted. Changes in surroundings affect training as do things like noise, crowds, etc. You can gradually increase challenges as your dog succeeds. (I bet you are catching on…it’s the same with people, isn’t it?)

As I was praying about and writing this day’s devotional message, the parallels about how our walk with Jesus mirrors our dog learning this command refreshed my soul and I hope it does yours as well. As believers, we go “step by step” with Jesus throughout our day. His presence is both protecting and promising. He assured His followers: “surely I am with you always.” The promise of His presence is powerful protection.

Just like our relationship with our dogs (and especially in training them) there can be pitfalls and setbacks and, sometimes, they are self-imposed. If one training day doesn’t go too well, we must begin again and keep at it. After all, His mercies are new every morning with us. Like our dogs watch us for the "what’s next," we must keep our eyes on Him. Distractions of all kinds clamor for our attention. It’s when we stay in step with Him that we are safe and on the best path. When we are tired or fall behind, He is gentle with us and often carries us. His hand always is outstretched, ready to hold ours. He’s always patient, kind, loving and forgiving…even we are stubborn. I’m so thankful He’s always happy to begin again with me and show me His way each and every day.

Father, as I watch my dog heel by my side, help it encourage me to walk closely with You, hand in hand. Help me to walk in Your ways, to keep Your pace and offer grace to those around me.