I have a 4 month old puppy that wants to sniff everything while we are on walks. I try redirecting to me, I mark and reward but he would rather return to sniffing. Could you give me advice on how to get a nice steady walk with him?

Hi Cindy,

I have a 4 month Rhodesian Ridgeback (45 lb) who wants to sniff everything on leash walks, on public sidewalks and on my own acreage. I walk him 3x per day (10 min) before meals, in addition to various potty breaks. He eliminates on his own property (not on walks) and I would like walks to be steady. I try to redirect him to me, mark and move, followed by a high value reward. Often times he is not pushing for the reward and prefers his nose to the ground but will otherwise redirect to me (from walkers, joggers, other dogs, bicyclists). His walks are with a properly fitted prong collar & oversized DD collar and he only walks continuously if I refuse to stop (I continue walking) but I am walking as if to ignore him and the walk gets bumpy and it can’t be fun for him although he doesn’t seem bothered and will follow me only to repeat his same sniffing, hence another bumpy walk. Can you please provide advice for leash walking for nice steady walks, including my equipment?

Beautiful. Thank you very much.

In the midst of trying to expose him to all the sounds, scents, and the world, etc., I am expecting too much. I am going to back up and start over. He’s just a baby and is teething. PS - Yes, I do understand .... iguana poop in Florida! That’s a YUK for sure.

Thank you again.