How to Train a Puppy: The Walk

I’m just gonna lay this out here right now.

I’m a dog snob. As in, I cannot handle ill-behaved canines. There is no reason for it and in reality, it’s most often the owners fault. I’m that lady at the vet’s office who will give your dog a correction if they get all up in my business. Or my dogs business. And most especially if they even come close to my kid. It’s not because I hate you. Or your dog.

It’s because you are failing big time at being a pack leader. And when it comes to me and my pack, I won’t hesitate to let your dang dog know that it ain’t them.

Now, if your face just turned red because that is totally you, don’t worry. You can always change. The wonderful thing about animals is that they are reactive. Consistent correct action on your part will elicit change on theirs.

If there is just one thing you do with your dog, let it be a walk. I’m not talking about where your dog is running all over creation dragging you along for the ride. I’m talking about a walk that is calm, focused work with you as the calm but in charge pack leader. Walking your dog correctly will bring about the most dramatic behavior changes. I promise!

A really important note I want to make is that you need to find a type of collar or other walking tool that works for you and your dog. Any tool can be effective, and on the same note any tool can become abusive. When you use the right training tool appropriately, your dog will understand what you are asking them to do and it will be very clear they understand. I talk a little more about this in the video with Poppy. {One thing I will never recommend using is a harness. Sled dogs wear harnesses because it’s their job to pull. Putting a harness on your dog is like telling them to mush. Good luck. We can chat when you switch to a different lead.} Your energy here also matters big time. If you don’t feel like a pack leader, your dog will never walk next to you. So fake it til ya make it. Imagine whatever situation you need to imagine to feel like you are in control of the situation. Sometimes when my energy needs a little boost, I imagine I am teaching someone else what to do, I am always more confident when I am teaching. Dogs respect energy way more than size – this is the reason Chihuahuas can drag their humans down the road. They weigh next to nothing but their energy says, “I’m boss!”

If you don’t have any type of appropriate collar, just flip your lead around and loop the clip end through the loop handle. This works perfect for a temporary fix. Watch the videos for demo and details. And maybe a little more soap box. {#sorrynotsorry}

Here is Poppy, I demo the correct way to walk her and any adult dog who is familiar with the leash.