Squeaker warning!! If you have any dogs listening, proceed with caution 😂
I know I say it often, but I'll say it again! Walks should be FUN!!
Whatever it is your dog enjoys doing; playing fetch, playing tug, sniffing around or just enjoying the scenery, there is NO SHAME in having a walk that doesn't look like the perfect heel walking.
In fact, bringing a toy along can absolutely help with recall training, even if your dog is on a short lead. Every time your dog returns to you, they get to play tug, or you throw their toy for them. This teaches them that you are MORE exciting than anything they may find out around them, which builds a foundation for more reliable recall!
Really though, it doesn't matter whether your walks are laid back strolls, structured runs, bike rides, training sessions or a total mess from an outside perspective. As long as you and your dog are safe, happy and respectful of the people and other animals around you, then there is no set right or wrong way to walk!
This is not glamorous! Much like all dog training, it's messy and full of little mistakes and fidgeting dogs. Clay decided to photobomb much of it, as he's always looking for affection.
So why, you ask, did I not polish it to perfection? Why didn't I do what most other dog trainers do, and rerecord until it's absolutely stunning?
Because I wanted to show you that it's not instantaneous. It takes time and work to get your dog to this point. It takes time and work to do any training, patience and laughter and dropping props on the floor.
I'm not gonna tell you I'm a miracle-worker, I can't change your dog's behaviours overnight. But I can provide you with the tools you need to get the results you want. I can provide you with the skills and the knowledge that will grant YOU the ability to transform your dog.
In the end, my goal is to encourage dog owners to strengthen their bond with their canine companions, and to keep dogs out of shelters.
Step-by-step explanation of what I did in the video;
Step One: Get your dog into a sit and wait position. Hold out the antlers or whatever other prop you happen to be using, whether it be a little Santa hat, a headband of some sort, or a pretty bow and allow your dog to investigate/sniff.
Step Two: Touch the prop to your dog's head lightly, then give your dog a treat. Repeat this until your dog is no longer looking up at the prop every time you reach out.
Step Three: Put the prop on properly for two seconds, before removing and giving a treat. Continue this until your dog is comfortable, extending the amount of time it stays on each time.
Step Four: Get your dog into the position you want them in without the prop on them.
Step Five: Once the dog is in the proper position, put the prop back on and hold the pose.
Step Six: Say Cheese!
