How to Teach a Newfoundland to Heel
Newfoundlands are gentle giants with an exceptional desire to please their owners, making them excellent candidates for heel training despite their considerable size and strength. Teaching a Newfoundland to heel—maintaining a precise loose-leash walking position—is both practical and rewarding, as it channels their calm temperament into disciplined leash walking while preventing the leash pulling that can easily develop in such a large breed. Because Newfoundlands mature slowly and have relatively low energy levels (requiring only 45 minutes of daily exercise), they're naturally suited to the patient, repetitive work that heel training demands. This intermediate guide uses positive-reinforcement techniques to build a reliable heel in your own home and yard, making everyday walks safer and more enjoyable for you and your devoted companion.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start With Foundation Focus in a Quiet Space
Begin indoors or in your quiet backyard where distractions are minimal. Teach your Newfoundland to make eye contact and follow your movement using high-value treats (small pieces of cheese or chicken work well). Practice for 5-10 minute sessions daily, building their attention span gradually—their calm temperament means they'll respond well to consistent, patient repetition without frustration.
- 2
Introduce the Heel Position at a Standstill
With your Newfoundland on a 6-foot leash, lure them into position at your left side, their shoulder roughly aligned with your leg. Mark the correct position immediately with a clicker or 'yes!' and reward with a treat held at waist level. Repeat this 10-15 times per session, rewarding consistency rather than speed—Newfoundlands' deliberate nature means they'll learn better through calm, methodical practice.
- 3
Add Forward Movement in Short Bursts
Once your dog holds the heel position while stationary, take 3-5 steps forward while rewarding them for staying beside you. Keep sessions brief and build incrementally; their lower energy level actually works in your favor here, as they won't pull ahead frantically like higher-energy breeds. Pause, reset, and repeat rather than trying long distances early on.
- 4
Manage Leash Tension and Prevent Pulling
Newfoundlands commonly pull due to their size and strength, so establish a clear rule: forward movement only happens when the leash is loose. If they pull, stop immediately and wait for slack before proceeding. This teaches cause-and-effect without corrections, aligning with their sweet, eager-to-please temperament and reinforcing that heeling earns progress.
- 5
Extend Distance and Add Mild Distractions Gradually
Once your Newfoundland reliably heels for 20-30 steps, slowly increase distance and introduce minor distractions (a nearby doorway, a family member visible in another room). Their patient nature and high trainability (4/5) mean they'll generalize the behavior steadily if you increase difficulty slowly and reward frequently. Never skip steps or rush to challenging environments.
- 6
Transition to Real-World Walking Environments
Practice heeling on quiet streets or park paths before busier areas. Reward consistently during these outings to cement the behavior outside your training space. Expect slower progress initially—Newfoundlands mature slowly—but their devotion to their owners will keep them motivated as the reward history builds.
Pro tips
- Use lower-value treats (kibble or small, plain chicken pieces) as you progress in training; Newfoundlands' calm, devoted nature means they'll heel for moderate rewards once the behavior solidifies, saving your high-value treats for breakthroughs.
- Train before your Newfoundland's daily exercise session, not after. Their low energy level means they'll be more focused and responsive when not already tired—use heel training as part of their mental stimulation before physical play.
- Newfoundlands drool significantly, so keep a small towel handy during training sessions and reward your dog by hand only when their mouth is relatively dry. This keeps both you and your treats comfortable during close-quarters work in the heel position.
Frequently asked questions
My Newfoundland is already pulling hard on walks. Can I still teach heel, or do I need to start over?+
You can absolutely teach heel even with existing pulling habits. Start the training in a distraction-free environment (your backyard) and use the 'no forward movement when leash is tight' rule consistently. Your Newfoundland's sweet temperament and high trainability mean they'll learn the new behavior quickly once they understand the cause-and-effect. Keep initial sessions short and reward heavily to build positive associations with walking beside you rather than ahead.
How often should I train, and how long will it take?+
Practice heel training 4-6 days per week in 10-15 minute sessions—this fits well with a Newfoundland's 45-minute daily exercise recommendation and their calm energy level. Most Newfoundlands show solid progress within 4-6 weeks of consistent training, though their slow maturity means reliability in all environments may take 8-12 weeks. Patience and consistency matter more than intensity with this breed.
What if my Newfoundland gets bored or distracted during training?+
Newfoundlands have moderate focus demands, so keep sessions fun and varied. Use different treats, practice in different rooms, and keep the tone playful rather than demanding. If your dog loses focus, it's often a sign the session is too long or the difficulty level jumped too quickly. End on a positive note, take a break, and resume later—their patient, devoted nature means they'll re-engage readily with positive reinforcement.
Should I use any special equipment or corrections if my Newfoundland doesn't cooperate?+
No corrections needed; stick with positive reinforcement only, which aligns perfectly with Newfoundlands' sweet, people-pleasing temperament. A standard 6-foot leash and a simple flat collar or harness are ideal. Avoid aversive tools like pinch collars or retractable leashes, which undermine trust and are unnecessary given this breed's trainability and eagerness to please. Their size means they respond best to clarity and patience, not pressure.