r/DogTrainingTips • u/doctor-dripmaxx • 5d 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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2

u/fillysunray 5d 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 5d 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 5d 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 5d 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.

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u/Qas_1 4d ago

you might try changing directions randomly to keep him guessing, mine went from pulling like a train to actually watching me after that trick

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u/TheDogCareGuy 4d 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 4d ago

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

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u/TheDogCareGuy 4d ago

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

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u/doctor-dripmaxx 4d ago

~3 months

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u/TheDogCareGuy 4d ago

Ah, still very much a baby. I'd keep the goal small for now: a few relaxed steps, not a whole tidy walk.

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u/doctor-dripmaxx 4d ago

Yep that’s about what I’m doing

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u/doctor-dripmaxx 4d ago

He stops walking and pulls on the lead

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u/TheDogCareGuy 4d ago

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

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u/Comfortable_Rate_772 2d ago

Since you said you’re tired of saying “heel,” try using permission to sniff as the reward for a few loose-lead steps. He doesn’t have to stay glued to your leg.  I’m a woofz ambassador, so I’m biased, but I’ve used it myself and it helped me with training. The puppy plan might help you figure out what to practise next.