Good question
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I adopted a dog as well who had ... er has... no desire to heel. I am an aspiring dog trainer so I have read a lot of training tips. I can't say which, if any, might work for you and
your dog, but hopefully the info is helpful. This is just a handful of techniques and tricks I've heard of/read of/ used which may have already been covered in previous posts (
I hope it's not too redundant) -- but the internet stopped working before I could post it last night.
The following method I think would work best for a puppy or submissive adult: Once the dog starts to get out in front of you, stop in your tracks, call them back. Wait for a second, and when they come back, give them a treat. Do this consistently, until they stay near you.
When I went to obedience classes I was taught how to use a "choke chain" (when this technique is done properly, it's painless) to teach him to heel, with an "automatic sit" when I stop. This method worked, but I constantly had to be on my game to keep him there. If this method sounds promising to you, I would recommend you be taught by a professional trainer, as it has some subtleties and may be safest learned from someone experienced in this training method.
My favorite trick the instructor taught me is very easy and effortless. Called the "Box", you have a solid leash, or a flexi set in a length from 4-7ft long. Start walking. When your dog gets in front of your leg, stop. Turn the opposite direction, and give the leash a small, quick tug and release and walk that way. When he gets ahead of you again, stop, turn and tug/release. The dog will get the idea! It's marvelous to see. When he does, the "tug/release" may not "make contact" with your dog (he'll not be 'tuggable' because he's more responsive)-- that's good! He is getting the idea. At first your dog may be confused, but a few times of switching directions, he will figure it out and walk
with you, right by you!
If you want to use an 'aid' to train your dog, I recommend a "Halti" head harness. It is one of the best tools I used to help my dog stay right there with me. It is best to introduce it to your dog per the pamphlet's instructions, with treats and a little at a time.
Although questionable in it's wisdom, I don't always require my dog to "heel", and the most effortless, non-pulling I've ever had with him was when I got him trained on the flexi. He loves to investigate and if not allowed to do that, he will make a way to. So this was freeing for him. He learned to stick to the curb, he would go ahead, but not pull, or sometimes investigate something behind, and as the 15' of lead was about 'to run out' he would run up to catch up with me.
Not all dogs are the same. Neither is every situation. Where I moved doesn't have curbs and we had to figure out a new way to "walk". Hopefully you will find what works for your dog, and you. Don't give up! And Congratulations on getting a dog!