[Natty]

Hi Bailey ~

I’m not sure if anyone has responded to you yet, but want to take a moment to do so. I ask the same question to myself about my dog in many areas. He is a large breed so I think I should get his bad manors in check before he is too large, especially leash /walking and jumping; yet he is a puppy. It’s a constant reassessment of where we are now and where we are going. My pup will be 5 month this April. Ive had him 3 mths now. This has been my approach to walks and so far so good. He is a puppy and I want him to build confidence and enjoy walks, play, training and most of all me – yet no matter the age or situation I remember what Robert said: his first and only job really – is to “listen to me”. Minding my command is the number 1 rule no matter the situation. So even though we walk a little loosely in these puppy months and he can sniff, walk which ever side of me and zig zag back and forth – I’ve been keeping him on his toes with reminders that I am his number one focus and the pack leader – where I go he must follow. For example if his drive is locked in on a smell or simply lost in leisurely sniffing daze – i introduce the number one rule. I reengage him to me – call his name, whistle “here” or “come” – correction if needed. I treat his reengagement. I randomly change directions, sometime a complete 180* This is especially important if he starts to pull or lead me. (I give him an indicator word as i change or turn before he feels the correction, like “here” or “by me”.) I’ll even stop mid stride at moments and as he reaches the end of his line i call him back to me. It is also a good time to work on “leave it”, then change direction. This sporadic walk of sniffing and then reengaging is our walk for now. Yes, we have puppies and it is an exciting world – I let my pup sniff and enjoy discovering the nuances of the world just as i lay a foundation of “leave it go and focus on me” – do as i say “heel” or “wait” etc. What I take away from what I hear Robert saying, is that now is the time to build trust with “you” as the pack leader. When he is older walks will be walks, right now class is in session and each lesson is a building block for the next. This said keep in mind, because it is a lesson – you may want to keep walk short like training time is 10 – 15 minutes. Stay positive – following your lead is the best decision he ever make. With all new things – I like to throw in a command he has already Aced and reward. This keeps his confidence up and his anxiety low. Lately, I have been introducing the expectation of walking at my side even if its a 1/2 of block then break – Just like anything else (sit or stay) I manage the duration a little at a time so he stays engaged with the new expectation/command.

However I apologize for the length of this response – I hope I have been of some help and in some way answered you question. Best wishes to Bailey!

-Natalie