Looking to see how everyone else does this

[Ucdcrush]

I used to "correct" when the dog got too far ahead, but what I do now is apply gentle pressure when they (I walk both mine at once) are starting to go too far. I find it's much less stressful then if I'm snapping the leash here and there.

I keep the leashes held like Cesar does, bunched up in my hand with enough for the dog to walk next to me. So typically they need to walk within about 1 foot of me in order not to be pulling/lagging, and it's pretty easy to put some backward pressure to bring them back. The idea being to show them where I want them to be, rather than punishing them for going too far. Seems to work much better for us.

[AbbyK9]

When should I do a formal heel as opposed to leisure walk?

I only ever ask for a formal heel in obedience class or in competition. To me, a "formal heel" is heeling with focus - meaning the dog is next to me and looking up. Sometimes we do this when training as well but it's really not something I ever ask of my dog when we're walking.

I do ask for a "nice" heel - where the dog is next to me with her shoulder next to my leg - when we are in an area where I would want her to be close by my side. For example, if we're passing other dogs or people who may be scared of her, or when walking through narrow pet store aisles or around groups of people.

Beyond that, any walking along on a loose leash is what I ask for. As long as there's no pulling me forward or stopping to sniff stuff all the time, I'm cool with it.

[Konotashi]

Like others have said, as long as the leash is loose, I don't mind Ozzy walking ahead of me. Sometimes when he's walking beside/behind me, I get a little scared and check to make sure he's still on the other end. LOL
If he pulls a bit too far ahead, I just click my tongue and he slows down a bit. Kind of sad that a Pomeranian has to wait on his slow owner. Haha.

[damaya]

Icon and I usually walk at a large city park. The park has a very fine packed gravel path that encompasses the perimeter and meandering paths on the interior. Several very large grass fields along with that. When we walk if we are on the path where we are more apt to encounter other people and other dogs I make sure Icon is beside me walking in a more formal "heel". When we take to the grassy areas I will tell him "free dog" and give him the length of his leash to use. Still not pulling while we walk but 6 feet of leash to use. I do this so when we take to the side walks along the street he will know that it is a short leash and he is to be "with me" and that there is a difference in the environment for "with me" and "free dog".