I’m new here and am enjoying all the information I’m getting. I’m confused on heeling, I want my Lab’s to do focused heeling for obedience competition but what do you call just walking beside you??? There is a difference in the two heels so what do you call it???

I call it "loose-leash walking."

The dog is walking casually but not pulling on the leash.

For the two commands, I use "heel" and "let's go."

Of course, what you use for loose-leash is your call.

I treat it the same as Connie...

I have "walk" shortened from "walk nice" for at-my-side-walking with out the focus and "fuss" for the formal, look at me heeling. They quickly understand the distinction and can go back and forth pretty easily once they get the hang of it.

I don't give a "command" for loose-leash walking. If the leash is on, that's the expectation--stay by my side with some slack in the lead, or we aren't going anywhere.

(OP might also mean keeping the dog close when off leash.) If that's the case, I just say, "stay by me," or if they stray too far off, a "get back over here, nuthead" usually works.

I find "linthead" to be more effective than "nuthead."

For formal heeling, I use "Heel." Because it is such a focused exercise, practicing the heel is done only for relatively short distances and durations.

Going for a walk is entirely different. We may walk for miles, and of course I don't expect the dog to be in perfect heeling position or to remain focused only on me. It's meant to be enjoyable for both me and the dog, so I try to keep it casual. Personally, I don't care if the dog is a couple steps in front of me or a couple steps behind me. The main rule is no pulling on the leash.

I may use different phrases to communicate with my dog as we go along, the main ones being "Let's Go!" for when we start out, or start again after stopping; "With Me!" if the dog needs a reminder to stay near; "This Way!" if I am going to be changing direction and want to give the dog a heads-up; and of course "Leave It!" for things like squirrels, other dogs, etc.

I am also one who likes to intersperse brief obedience training sessions into my walks. We may periodically practice a few obedience maneuvers for a couple of minutes, then resume the casual walk.