I'm trying to teach Bruno formal heel and I'm stuck. Not sure but I may be rushing things. I decided to try to train him to do this for something to do and because I like it. I love the attention the dog gives the handler. So with that said this is what I've done: I started standing fairly close to a wall and luring him in to position (he is a lazy sitter at times)then marking when he sat. I have now added the command and he has gotten pretty consistent with it- not 100% though for example say I'm in the middle of the room as opposed to by the wall he sometimes acts like he doesn't know what I want. Although he did do better on that this evening. So with not being 100% conistent I know I need to get that down before I move on but what is the next step? We've also been working on the look command but I'm not sure how to put those two together or do I even do it that way. I have tried (this is what I mean by I may be rushing it) to get him to move with me and look at me but it seems like he thinks when I move that is his cue to bolt. And there are still times that he is more interested in what is on my desk or where his toys are or tracking down some treat that he may have missed etc. Thoughts?

I've been using Sheila Booth's technique outlined in her book "Schutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive" which is sold by Leerburg. She advocates using pieces of hotdog as treats and continuously rewarding the dog when he is in the correct position. Of course, there is more to it than just that. There's a whole chapter on "Happy Heeling." It's a great book - I highly recommend it.

I'll check it out! We're halfway there with the hot dog treats

Lori, Sheila Booth's book is how I taught this 14 month old 140 pound Boerboel (South African mastiff) obedience. As you are aware mastiffs are not known for their obedience (g). Here is a link if you want to take a look http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0onoYFmbyXk

Very nice! I guess I will def. have to add that book to my collection!