My dog wants to run freely...

[chip laughton]

One other thing on heeling, do not just train in the yard. heel the dog through the woods, across field, in the water, basically what ever type of terrain you hunt in, get the dog used to it before the hunt. Do this in a training session not just when hunting. Train in different areas. Also, try it at night. By trying it in the dark, the dog anticipates it may be going hunting, so the excitement level will change.My dog was heeling great I live in the mountains and would make him heel up the side of a mountain, across ditches through thickets.

[B3]

I agree. Heel in new places and gradually add distractions. You know youre getting there if he'll heel off lead around strangers and other dogs. Heel him past a food bowl. Past a duck,etc.

The ultimate test is at a hunt test. New environment ,sounds,people,200 dogs. Your dog will heel if you can go off lead from holding blind past duck dryer past honor dog past judges and not beat you to the bucket. I think a test revs 'em up more than hunting.