February 02, 2024

My dog insists on walking in front of me at the end of the leash unless I give her a treat. What do you suggest?

Full Question:
My dog insists on walking in front. Not necessarily pulling but taking every bit of leash to where it’s not really loose leash walking. We use a martingale or slip chain collar for walking. I stop and change directions when she moves ahead. Most of the time she notices that I have stopped before the leash gets tight and she stops and turns with me then She will follow until a treat is given then usually moves ahead again. She does pretty well if we are working in an area like around cones. Her focus is on point with obstacle course type walking but not on leisurely walks-seems always on high alert for leisure walks (obstacle walks are in same location as leisure so environment hasn’t changed) When people are animals are around it is difficult to get her focus back on me.
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I would suggest our Loose Leash walking course. I've added a link below

It sounds like your girl just needs some refinement on your expectations. Teaching her the position you expect and how to remain next to you on a verbal cue is key. If you want her to heel next to you while giving you 100% focus then you may want to check out our focused heeling course.

Make sure you differentiate between walks where she's allowed to sniff and look around and walks where you expect her to maintain a specific position. I have 2 different cues (walk means don't pull but you're free to look around, etc) Heel means stay next to my left knee and stay in that position until I give my release word.

88% (7 out of 8)
respondents found this answer helpful
Did you find this Q&A helpful?
Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
88% (7 out of 8)
respondents found this answer helpful

Did you find this Q&A helpful?

Recommended Products
Scroll to Top