The first thing that dogs need is a respect for your authority and leadership. One of the ways dogs react to weak leadership is to get out in front and pull vigorously, usually with the human in tow. When the dog is pulling, the dog is the leader. In a healthy relationship, you must first accept the principle that you have to be the leader. A relationship with a dog is not democratic: you have to be in charge, meaning you know far better than your dog does what is in its best interest. Apart from a general understanding of how to begin teaching obedience, an essential element of teaching your dog how to heel is the leash correction. It is imperative that you learn how to pop the leash correctly, and that this becomes reflexive. Practice is the only way you'll master this. What follows are some important footnotes. Go back and forth as necessary, popping the leash and reversing directions as needed. Thus, the sequence is as follows: 1. letting the dog get out in front 2. when the dog begins to forge, give a leash pop as you say "NO!" 3. reverse directions 180 degrees and start walking in the other direction 4. repeat this, going back and forth, until the dog starts to avoid the leash corrections and pay attention 5. As the dog goes into the heel position, praise it warmly. As for breaking the dog's spirit, training is intended to foster exactly the opposite. Good training brings out the best in the dog, which is one of the reasons why I so emphasize praise in this method. Praise that is sincere and earned builds up the relationship between you and your dog. It is entirely positive and strengthens the bond.