I need some clarification. My male dogs like to sniff and mark when they are out on their walk, especially when I am walking them together. They are marking individually. I don't allow Skipper to mark on top of Jethro's mark anymore. On the one hand I think, "This is part of being a dog and it satisfies an urge they have. If I don't let them do this, they are going to feel unfulfilled as a dog." On the other hand I think, "These dogs are just trying to control the walk, stopping all the time. I need to show them I am in charge."

Admittedly, I tend to forget whether we are on Sniff Time or Let's Go (fast, loose leash walking), so I will get caught off guard when we are moving forward and stop for an unplanned Sniff/Pee.

I try to set boundaries for the activity - for this block you can sniff and mark, for the next 4 blocks we are going at a good clip (as Connie says, hup - two - three - four).

I want them to enjoy the walk. Is sniffing and marking an integral part of their enjoyment? Or something I should curtail altogether? I'm curious to know how any of you handle it.

I only allow marking when I stop and say "OK" or "Go Potty". While we are walking there is no stopping at doggy discretion under any circumstances.

I don't allow bathroom breaks or marking unless I specifically say so however my dog is permitted to tell me when he has to go if he needs to go before we reach a suitable area. He usually pokes my leg with his nose.

All dogs I have after him will be like this, the control over when he goes to the bathroom is useful in public situations where we may be outside or on a nice bathroom surface (courtyard, patio, golf course, plant feature in the middle of a hotel or shopping center) but he doesn't THINK about going to the bathroom and in the even he needs a break we can go outside. I am very careful to make sure he always gets time to sniff and mark in an area however, I just chose which area that is.....

Breathe with me......................................................................................

Ok. That's better.

Now, quit worrying about their feelings. They probably really want to be laying around in the house, on the couch, eating EVERYTHING in the fridge until they look like ticks about to explode. They probably don't even want to go on a leashed walk.

Now, to your feelings. Walk however you want to. When you get to a point that you want them to be "at ease", give them a release command and let them be dog's. Then, when it's time to walk, take off, and don't look back.:smile: