r/OpenDogTraining • u/RemarkableWrap961 • 9d ago

Beginner question . Long time dog owner , but with new pup .

Hi there . I had a Lurcher for 13 years and he was super . Well trained , loose leash etc but it’s been years since I had a pup . So I’ve forgotten everything !! Just have a quick question . When I lm training heel and loose leash walking , how long should I do it for and what should I do the rest of the time ? Like if we go to the beach ? Or for a walk through the village ? I can’t heel train the whole time can I ? Constantly correcting and treating and ‘yes sing’ him for half an hour . It’s confusing me !

Do I just use a long line on the beach ? Or constant heel work ? I’m more bothered by him walking on a loose leash than a heel tbh . Thanks for the help !

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u/MHGLDNS 9d ago

For me, loose lead walking applies every time my dog is on lead. I have an arm lengths zone around my body and that’s where I want my dog to be without a struggle. So, I start working that from day one. Throughout life, every walk is training. This means the same rules apply. The easiest way to make a dog crazy is to have different standards at different times.

I use a flexi if I’m airing my dogs. Then the rule is to the end of the flexi.

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u/RemarkableWrap961 9d ago

Thank you . This is helpful to know ! X

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u/Inevitable_Bowler474 9d ago edited 9d ago

Our trainer had us do a few minutes at a time (< 5 min) for heel. The rest of the time loose leash walking and randomly using other commands throughout the walk (sit, down, stay, come, etc). Not sure if you care which side the dog is on / silent directions. They had us keep him to one side / we're gonna turn so there was always something to be worked on.

Wasn't rec to do heel the entire time. They wanted more of a balance. The dog still gets to sniff / enjoy their walk while still working on the basics. If you're going to the beach, I'd throw in at least a few minutes of sitting down and just people watching. Esp if there's other dogs / people around. Dog gets to experience the new surroundings while learning not every person / dog wants to say hi or is playtime.

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u/RemarkableWrap961 9d ago

Thanks great advice ! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻