08/06/2026
When we talk about loose lead walking what do we actually mean? What specifically are we asking our dogs to do?
Dogs naturally walk at a faster pace than us, a bit like a grown up walking with a toddler, you have different walking speeds
To make walks enjoyable it’s important to be clear about what you are asking your dog to do but also appreciate what they can’t do. They can’t walk ‘to heel’ for long periods in the same way we would struggle to walk at a toddler’s walking speed for long periods without slipping in to our own speed every so often, especially when we get distracted
For my dogs, loose lead walking means there is no tight lead, BUT I don’t expect my dogs to walk right next to me or give me eye contact. It’s more like a dance, we all stop and start together
I can also ask my dogs to walk at heel which means I do ask them to walk by my side and give me focus, stop when I stop, stay when I ask them to etc
Have a look 😊
