Heel vs. Loose Leash Walking.....What's the Difference?
Heel means: Walk in a specific location at my left side and focus on me until I release you.
The leash is kept short during the heel and is held close to your body at your mid section. Heel is meant to be used for short periods at a time as it takes much concentration and focus from your dog.
Use HEEL during walks while passing through a crowd, while passing another dog or while passing a distraction.
Loose Leash Walking means: Walk freely on my left side as long as the leash remains loose.
The leash is held more loosely at your side and can be extended to give the dog more freedom. The dog is not required to focus on you but will need to pay enough attention to maintain a slack leash.
Use Loose Leash Walking on your daily walks through the neighborhood. Loose leash walking is not cued but is what is expected whenever the dog is walking on leash unless he is told otherwise.