People are often surprised when, after explaining to me a host of problems they would like to work on with their dog, I respond by asking, “But how well does she walk on a leash?”

See, that’s because the walk is a fundamental exercise that must be mastered before (or while) we work on the other commands that will help different aspects of your training relationship with your dog.  If we don’t have impulse control when we’re walking our dog down the street, then it’s going to be difficult to work on that 20 minute down stay with the same dog.  If you have aspirations of doing therapy dog work, then a solid heel command is not only helpful, but necessary!

And how long should it take to start your dog on a more focused, no leash-pulling walk.  Between 30 seconds and 3 minutes is a good number when you are using the proper tools and balanced training philosophy.

So remember, focus on a structured upbeat walk.  Something you can work on everyday in short increments. It’s the everyday small things that add up to big changes in our relationships with our dogs.