Multiple Methods For Loose Leash Walking! Just as there are a multitude of great cookies recipes so are there many ways to teach and our dogs not to pull on the leash. Unfortunately, not one single way works for all dogs and many of the methods used can be quite dog unfriendly. Especially so because they don’t always address the preparation work that needs to be put in before you actually venture out. Nor do they take note that there are many different types of Loose Leash Walking and just how hard it is for our dogs to walk with us.

Imagine having a dog that doesn’t jump on people. When you have guests over, you can let the dog say hi knowing that he or she won’t knock over your mom, or lick the little kids’ faces, or leave muddy paw prints on your friend’s beautiful ivory dress. When you stop to say hello to a neighbor while on your walk, your dog sits calmly as you chat.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could tell your dog to lie down when the doorbell rings and know your dog will stay there while you grab the box from the UPS man? Or when you’re out walking and three dogs are dragging a disgruntled owner your way, you can step off the sidewalk and tell your dog to sit as you both calmly watch the dogs pass before you continue on your relaxing walk?

Our dogs are thinking beings with agendas and opinions. Many behavior problems arise when we ignore this fact and attempt to treat them like fuzzy couch ornaments. Leveraging their simple caloric intakes needs is a great place to start in offering them the brain candy they so desperately need. Daily enrichment activities, like food puzzles and scent games entertain wild puppies and keep older minds active. Dog is destructive? Provide ample shredding opportunities that are appropriate, inexpensive, and enticing to save your shoes. Dog barks incessantly? Scent-based enrichment turns off the voice because scenting and vocalizing are simply incompatible. Enriching our dogs' lives helps them to engage in fewer undesirable behaviors, and it helps them live happier more fulfilled lives. It doesn't take a lot of money or a lot of time to provide your dog with the mental stimulation he desires on a daily basis. Food, scent, and novelty based enrichment plans are all here for the taking!

Raising a puppy to do well in a human-centered world is a big challenge! And every puppy is a mix of easy and difficult traits to live with. What’s the best way to focus your puppy time to bring out the best in your life together?