Correcting Forging in Heelwork

Understanding Forging in Heelwork

If your dog drifts ahead during heel, you are not alone. Correcting forging in heelwork is one of the most common goals I see in private lessons and sport prep. At Smart Dog Training we fix it with a clear, structured plan. As a Smart Master Dog Trainer, I coach teams to precision using the Smart Method so position stays clean in real life, not only in the training hall.

Forging means the dog moves past your left leg in heel position. It can start small, then grow until the dog pulls, crabs, or swings wide in turns. Correcting forging in heelwork starts with clarity. The dog must know exactly where heel lives, how to hold it at different paces, and when reward arrives. We then add fair guidance, strong motivation, and step by step progression so the skill holds anywhere.

What Causes Forging

Forging is not stubborn behaviour. It is usually a simple training gap. Common causes include:

• Poor reward placement that draws the dog out in front
• Handler pace that is too slow or inconsistent
• Unclear markers or late rewards that pay the wrong moment
• Environment magnets such as doors, corners, other dogs, or helpers in sport
• Genetic drive for the reward or the picture of forward motion

Correcting forging in heelwork means closing these gaps. We start by resetting position, then we layer movement, speed change, turns, and distraction with tight criteria.

The Smart Method For Correcting Forging in Heelwork

Smart Dog Training uses one system for every heel problem. The Smart Method balances clarity, pressure and release, motivation, progression, and trust.

Clarity

We define heel as the dog’s shoulder lined with the seam of your left trouser leg, head up, hip straight, and body parallel. We use simple markers. Yes means collect your reward now. Good means hold the position and keep working. Free means release from work. Correcting forging in heelwork starts by making this picture black and white.

Pressure and Release

We add light guidance through the lead or body prompts, then release pressure the moment the dog returns to heel. The release is the lesson. It tells the dog you did it right. Smart trainers pair this with reward so the dog learns to take responsibility for the position without conflict.

Motivation

Food and toys create energy and focus. We use them with purpose. Reward comes from the correct spot, not from the front. Motivation drives precision when it is placed with care.

Progression

We build layers in order. Static heel. Two steps. Four steps. Turns. Pace change. Distractions. Surfaces. Weather. We only increase one variable at a time so confidence stays high.

Trust

Calm, consistent handling makes dogs want to work. We keep sessions short and successful so the dog and handler enjoy the process. That builds a strong bond, which is essential for correcting forging in heelwork and keeping results for life.

Tools and Setup For Success

Set up your training space and equipment before you start. You will need:

• A well fitted flat collar or slip lead
• A standard lead that is easy to manage
• High value food and a tug or ball if your dog enjoys toys
• Pockets or a pouch that allow reward from your left hand
• Markers set in your head and in your voice

Pick a quiet area at first. Later we will train in busy settings. Correcting forging in heelwork works best when you control the picture at the start.

Step One Reset The Heel Picture

Begin with static work. Stand tall, feet under hips, shoulders square. Lure or target your dog into heel with the left shoulder in line with your leg seam. Mark Good for holding position. Feed at the seam of your left leg from your left hand. Do not feed in front of your body. That creates forging.

Static Positioning Games

• Hand Target to Heel: Present a left hand target slightly behind your knee, then mark and feed at the seam
• Clockwork Heel: Turn in small steps on the spot while your dog adjusts. Mark and feed each true alignment
• Magnet Line: Place a strip of tape on the floor. Keep the shoulder on that line. Feed when the shoulder stays on the line

Spend two or three short sessions a day on this for three to five days. Correcting forging in heelwork requires this base before you walk.

The Two Step Rule

Take two steps only. If position stays clean, mark Yes and reward at the seam with your left hand. If the dog forges, stop, reset, and try again. Two clean reps in a row allow you to move to three or four steps. This prevents long loose practice that rewards mistakes.

Step Two Teach Pace Changes

Forging often appears when the pace rises or falls. Clean pace work is key for correcting forging in heelwork.

Slow Fast Neutral Control

• Neutral Walk: Five steps at normal pace, Good, then Yes and feed at your left seam
• Slow Walk: Three steps slow, Good, then Yes and feed at your left seam
• Fast Walk: Three to five steps fast, Good, then Yes and feed at your left seam

Keep the same reward spot at every pace. If the dog surges at fast pace, shorten to two steps and add more frequent marks. If the dog melts at slow pace, boost motivation with a quick Yes and a playful reward, then return to slow.

Step Three Reward Placement That Prevents Forging

Reward location shapes heel position. This is the single biggest fix for many teams.

Food, Toy, and Hand Targets

• Food Delivery: Left hand feeds at the left leg seam or slightly behind. Never from the front
• Toy Delivery: Park the toy under your left armpit or in your left pocket. Release the toy straight back along your left side
• Hand Target: Teach a left hand chin target. The hand lives at your seam. Mark and feed from that hand

Correcting forging in heelwork becomes simple when the dog learns that all good things appear at your left seam, not out in front.

Step Four Add Turns and Lines

Introduce shapes that reward alignment and discourage forging.

• Left Turns: Quarter turns force the dog to stay back and in. Mark each clean alignment
• About Turns: Rotate left about. Feed as your dog snaps back to the seam
• Straight Lines: Walk along a wall with your dog on the inside. The wall prevents drifting

Keep steps short at first. Correcting forging in heelwork is easier when you add turn pressure early and fairly.

Step Five Distraction, Duration, and Distance

Now we build to real life. Increase only one variable at a time.

• Distraction: Add one calm dog at 15 metres, or a helper walking near you. Hold criteria
• Duration: Add steps in tens. From 10 to 20 to 30, only if the last set was clean
• Distance: Move training from the quiet room to the driveway, then to a quiet path, then to a busy street

Each step should feel simple. If it does not, drop one variable. Correcting forging in heelwork is a progression, not a test.

Handler Mechanics That Keep Position Clean

Your body is a cue. Use it with intent.

• Eyes forward. Do not stare at your dog. That pulls the head out and forward
• Arms relaxed. Keep the left hand ready at your seam. Do not reach across the front of your body
• Shoulders square. Do not lean forward. Leaning invites forging
• Footwork neat. Step off with your left foot to start. Dogs learn that foot as the cue to move

These small details make a big change when correcting forging in heelwork.

Common Mistakes That Cause Forging

• Paying in front even once. The picture matters more than the food
• Walking too far before the dog can hold two steps
• Talking too much. Use clear markers, not chatter
• Letting the lead go tight during heel. Pressure should guide and then release when the position is right
• Training only at home. Dogs need a pathway to the world

Troubleshooting Plateaus

If progress stalls, try this:

• Go back to static heel and clockwork turns for one session
• Use a shorter rep, such as two steps then pay
• Increase the value of the reward and play for two seconds after each Yes
• Add a left turn every five steps to keep the dog honest at your seam
• Film one set and check your posture, hand, and reward spot

When in doubt, simplify. Correcting forging in heelwork is often a game of clean, short reps and perfect pay points.

Sample Weekly Plan

Here is a simple structure you can follow. Keep sessions under five minutes and run two to four sessions per day.

• Day 1 to 2: Static heel, clockwork turns, two step rule
• Day 3 to 4: Pace changes, left turns, about turns
• Day 5: Lines along a wall, three to five step reps with turns
• Day 6: Light distraction at distance, short fast reps
• Day 7: Review and measure, then one easy win session

This plan fits most teams. If your dog is strong and forward, add more left turns. If your dog is soft and worried, add more play. Smart Dog Training customises this plan in person for faster results.

Measuring Progress

Track three simple metrics:

• Clean Steps per Rep: Write down the longest clean rep each day
• Reward Spots: Aim for 90 percent or better from the left seam
• Locations Trained: Add one new location each week

Correcting forging in heelwork should show steady gains when you measure like this.

When To Work With an SMDT

If your dog is very high drive, forges when toys come out, or breaks position under stress, work with a Smart Master Dog Trainer. An SMDT will adjust your markers, reward plan, and handling within minutes. That saves time and keeps sessions positive. Smart Dog Training has certified trainers across the UK who follow one method so you get consistent coaching and reliable results.

Ready to turn your dog’s behaviour around? Book a Free Assessment and connect with a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer, available across the UK.

Advanced Proofing For Sport and Real Life

For teams that want competition level work, we add formal proofing:

• Heeling past food on the ground with clean focus
• Heeling into a crowd with quiet entry and exit
• Start line routines that prevent early forging
• Fast into slow transitions that keep the hip straight

Correcting forging in heelwork at this level still uses the same plan. Position first, then movement, then challenge.

FAQs

What is forging in heelwork

Forging is when your dog moves past your left leg during heel. The shoulder drifts ahead, which breaks alignment. Correcting forging in heelwork resets that alignment and teaches your dog to hold it under pressure.

Why does my dog start forging after a few steps

Most dogs have a reward history in front of the handler. Pace changes and turns also test them. Fix the reward spot, use the two step rule, and add left turns. These steps are the core of correcting forging in heelwork.

How long does it take to fix forging

Many teams see change in a week of short daily sessions. Solid reliability in public can take four to six weeks. The Smart Method keeps sessions short and clear so gains come fast.

Where should I hold food and toys

Keep food in your left hand and feed at your left seam. Keep toys on the left side and release straight back along that side. This placement is vital for correcting forging in heelwork.

Can I fix forging with food only

Yes. Food, clear markers, and clean handling can fix most forging. Toys can add drive and focus once position is stable. Smart Dog Training chooses the right mix for your dog.

Should I use a headcollar or harness

Use simple equipment that lets you guide and release pressure cleanly. A flat collar or slip lead works well for many teams. If you have questions, work with an SMDT who can set your dog up safely and fairly.

What if my dog only forges at trials or in crowds

You need proofing. Rebuild clean steps, then add crowd noise, helpers, and pressure in layers. Keep the same reward spot and criteria. Correcting forging in heelwork at events is the same skill with more challenge.

Is this training suitable for puppies

Yes. Keep sessions very short, use soft guidance, and build a love for the heel picture. Reward placement and markers are safe for young dogs and prevent forging from the start.

Conclusion

Correcting forging in heelwork does not require force or guesswork. It needs clarity in the picture, pressure and release that guide without conflict, strong motivation, steady progression, and trust between you and your dog. When you feed from the left seam, use short clean reps, add pace control, and proof with care, heel becomes calm and precise in any setting. Smart Dog Training delivers this structure every day for families and sport teams across the UK. Your dog can enjoy crisp heelwork and you can enjoy relaxed walks and confident performance.

Your dog deserves training that truly works. With certified Smart Master Dog Trainers (SMDTs) nationwide, you'll get proven results backed by the UK's most trusted dog training network. Find a Trainer Near You