Focused Heelingwith Michael Ellis Torrent [8K 2025]

While the concepts are accessible, the course is primarily geared toward Leerburg's competitive sport trainers or serious enthusiasts who have some prior experience with reward-based systems. It is widely considered an essential resource for those competing in Schutzhund (IGP), Ring Sport, or AKC obedience.

: The course covers advanced techniques like using foot targets to teach sharp, precise turns while maintaining focus. Focused Heelingwith Michael Ellis Torrent

This skill is a testament to a dog's training. A dog that can perform focused heeling isn't just "obedient"; it has bought into the training process, understands how to get rewards, and sees its handler as the center of its universe. As Ellis explains, it allows you to give your dog "a very clear picture of what she needs to do to get her reward," using high-value motivators like food or toys instead of relying on corrections. While the concepts are accessible, the course is

The handler builds steps before delivering the reward. This skill is a testament to a dog's training

His expertise spans multiple disciplines. He has competed in Mondioring, French Ring, IGP/Schutzhund, and AKC Obedience, among others, and is a former president of the American Working Malinois Association. Ellis is widely credited with popularizing reward-based training systems in protection sports, moving the industry away from purely compulsion-based "yank and crank" methods.

The course breaks heeling into separate modules to build muscle memory before moving to complex patterns: