The spelling of "come heel" can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to the "heel" part. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), "heel" is transcribed as [hiːl], with the long "ee" sound. So, when pronouncing "come heel", it's important to remember that the "ee" is pronounced as a long vowel, not a short one. Some people might be tempted to spell it as "come he'll", but that would change the meaning entirely. To properly use this phrase in dog training, one must remember to use the correct spelling and pronunciation.
"Come heel" is an idiomatic expression used primarily in dog training and handling contexts. It is a command or instruction given to a dog to return and position itself at the handler's side. This term is derived from the combination of the words "come," which instructs the dog to approach the handler, and "heel," which requires the dog to situate itself alongside the handler's leg.
The phrase "come heel" is commonly used during obedience training sessions to reinforce discipline and control. It is typically employed to initiate a specific movement or transition, such as walking in an orderly manner or preparing for another command. By responding to the command, the dog demonstrates its ability to follow instructions, maintain proximity to the handler, and display proper behavior.
When given the command "come heel," the dog is expected to immediately abandon its current position or activity and swiftly return to the handler's side. The handler may indicate the desired position by holding their arm at their side and using physical cues or vocal prompts to guide the dog's movements.
Overall, "come heel" is a dog training command used to teach dogs to move towards and position themselves alongside their handler. It is an essential component of obedience training and promotes discipline, control, and the establishment of a strong human-dog bond.