Nice! Your brace idea is smart. I see this everywhere now, the simple fix beating the complicated one. Like using a rolled towel as a doorstop instead of buying some plastic thing. Or shimming a wobbly table with a matchbook. We overthink stuff when the answer is usually right there.

Just keep it moving constantly, @stellabailey!

Doesn't this happen at every crowded counter?

Toss in some lime and cilantro and it goes from just fine to actually good.

Two weeks of consistent heel practice in my local shopping center parking lot was the game changer for my lab. I mean @joseph491 is totally right about that gradual build up, it just makes sense to the dog. Going from quiet streets to a place with shopping carts and kids meant our actual walks later felt easy. Getting that focus in a busy spot before you hit the woods is the only way it sticks. It’s not a quick fix, you have to put in those boring training sessions first.