Show 85: Take Control: How to Make Dog Walks Work EVERYTIME!

If I asked you to write down at least three dog-walking problems, I am sure I’d find leash pulling and misbehaving somewhere on that list. Why? Because almost 80% of those who come to me for help on walking their dog have those issues. And here’s the truth: the solution is fairly simple. The problem starts when dog owners dismiss their dog's little quirks and defiance during walks as nothing serious… until they are. Fortunately, you can flip the switch by doing one simple thing: really making your dog see you’re in charge. How? Read on to learn more. Key Takeaways Leash pulling, barking, and overexcitement during dog walks often stem from a common root: your dog believes it's in charge. If you take charge, your dog will start to relax. Thus, your walks will be more calmer, controlled, smooth. Gentle gestures the walk like calmly pausing to tell your dog they’re not the one in charge can help you retain control from start to finish. LEARN HOW TO WALK YOUR DOG THE RIGHT WAY WITH DOGGY DAN GOLDEN RULE #5! Table of Contents Stop Dog-walking Problems By Taking Control of the Walk Stop Dog-Walking Problems: What Happens When You Take Control of the Walk with Dogs Stop Dog-Walking Problems By Taking Charge… Not Only On Walks. The Dog Calming Code Will Help You! Stop Dog-walking Problems By Taking Control of the Walk The most common cause of dog-walking issues like leash pulling, barking, and getting excited by just about anything is this: your dog thinks they're in control.   It's like the case of "whoever gets in the driver's seat first decides where the trip goes." When the dog sees they have taken over the "driver duties" during the walk, expect them to drive… even if it requires pulling the leash, running without your permission, and chasing everything! Yes, they would do all these things despite your non-stop commands of "No, no, no, no!" So it's absolutely critical that control is in your court… and your dog has to know it! Here are some ways you can do that. #1: Take Control Even Before You Start the Walk If you start exhibiting control after leaving the house, you already lost it. Control is solidified when you're the one to decide when to take the walk. "Doggy Dan, what do you mean by this?" I want you to think of this: who decides to go for a walk? If your dog approached you with a leash in their mouth, prodding you to take them outside, AND YOU AGREED, you have lost control. Let's say your dog goes to you to signal they want to go out; here's what you can do… Ignore them for five minutes, then give the cue that it's time for a walk. You're doing this not to make your dog feel ignored but to establish your role as the ultimate decision-maker in walk-related matters. DOG CALMING CODE: THE PROGRAM THAT HELPS YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOGGY DAN FIVE GOLDEN RULES #2: Your Dog Will Persist in Regaining Control… You Can Gently Remind Them With This Move Dogs understand control. In fact, dogs are so keen in having it because it's programmed in them that control is necessary for survival. So you will see a lot of attempts to take charge of the walk or get in front of you so they can control the walk. (Bonus note: dogs also try to take control of the walk because they are sometimes very protective and feel responsible for protecting you.) The great thing about dogs is they're quick to get the message. Once you do something that tells them "Hey, I got it. I'm in charge," they will adapt. If your dog makes a run for the door to ensure they go first, do this gentle move: calmly block their way with your legs, open the door, and go first. #3: And If Your Dog Insists on Taking Charge of The Walk, Pausing for a While Works If your dog persists, insisting on being the one in charge, stop the steps. Refrain from continuing the walk until they get the message that you decide what happens with your time outdoors. Doing this simple step is like giving your dog an outdoor timeout. Once your dog gets that you stopped because of