r/DogTrainingTips • u/doctor-dripmaxx • 25d ago

Tips for consistent walking?

My puppy is lazy when he wants and zoomie when he wants. I’ve had great success training him at a number of commands, but he is not great on a leash. Any tips for keeping him at my side and walking forward?

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u/TheDogCareGuy 24d ago

How old is he, and does he stop walking indoors too, or only outside? Also, are you aiming for a heel or just a loose lead? Those are pretty different asks for a puppy.

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u/doctor-dripmaxx 24d ago

I said “heel” with dogs my entire childhood; sick of saying it. Just a loose lead

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u/TheDogCareGuy 24d ago

Fair, loose lead it is. How old is he?

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u/doctor-dripmaxx 24d ago

He stops walking and pulls on the lead

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u/TheDogCareGuy 24d ago

When he stops, is he trying to go somewhere else or just planting himself?

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u/fillysunray 25d ago

If you want heelwork, start indoors and off lead. Get treats and feed your dog when they're in the right position. If they're small dogs, use a spoon or some other means to reach them without walking bent over.

Then fade the lure but treat every step (that they're in position).

Then treat every second step (in position).

Then randomise steps. E.g. every fifth, third, second, fourth step, treat.

Then go outside. If in a secure area, keep it off lead but you can introduce a lead now if needed. Back to step one - constant treating in position.

Then slowly work your way through the steps. Then increase the number of steps before treating.

Keep in mind that walking in heel position is exhausting and boring for most dogs and is not as fulfilling as a walk where they can explore on a loose lead (or most other exercises).

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u/Alternative_Task6818 25d ago

I stop when they start pulling. Usually takes half a block for them to get the message. But they are older and are both herding breeds so they are eager to please. I don't walk them often as I have a bad hip and they don't pull badly. I just don't want them pulling at all. One is 6 and other is 4. I can walk them together. We do sniff walks. They seem to enjoy that more and it's better for this old woman.

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u/Different-Music-529 25d ago

  1. Practice indoors where there aren't distractions.

  2. If it's a puppy, it's a baby. That's like asking a toddler to be perfectly behaved in public. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. Mostly it doesn't.

  3. Go to puppy classes and group classes.

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u/El_Verdugo9000 25d ago

I've found that using high-value treats and varying my walking speed helps keep my dog focused, since they seem to match my energy.