I’m working on focused heeling and leash pressure with my Malinois and when I pull back he sits instead of backing up. What can I do to help him understand what I’m asking?

Hello, I’m working my way through Michael Ellis’ focused heeling video and I’ve gotten to the part where I work on leash pressure with my mal. He’s awesome with the forward leash pressure and immediately gives. When I pull straight back to attempt to get him to give backwards he constantly drops into a sit. If I keep applying pressure backwards he drops into a down. What can I do to help him learn what I’m asking? Should I just keep applying steady pressure backwards? I’m using a slip lead. Thanks!

Omg that worked perfectly!! I paid way more attention to be sure I was not pulling up at all and stopped as soon as a paw even started to move. So awesome!!! He was taking a full step by the end of the session. I have the Herm Sprenger 2.25mm size prong collar. Absolutely Iove it. Yay can’t wait to make even more progress. Thank you so much!!