06/08/2026
Look, don’t get me wrong I use A LOT of food rewards in training and reinforcing any skill I teach dogs.
But that training has to be supported by foundations that don’t require food, just a change of perspective.
💜 Using a well fitted harness with secure front and back clip on walks
Utilizing a change in gear or position of the leash on the gear, can signal to our dogs what mode we are in. Sometimes we need them to walk close, but sometimes they can move freely, this helps them understand clearer. My pup Fox knows when he is clipped to the back of his harness he can do as he wishes, it’s normally a long line or he’s dragging the leash, but if the leash is on his collar or clipped to the front of his harness he understands it’s time to focus and stay close to me!
💜 Using a leash 8/10ft and longer
I’m not saying you have to walk your dog around the block with a 50ft line, but using an 8ft or 10ft leash gives your dog more space to move at their natural pace. They have double the legs, they tend to move a bit faster! Giving them space to move around reduces the accidental pulls on the leash that may accidentally reinforce pulling.
💜 Let them sniff!!
I had a magical epiphany when I offered long line hikes for reactive dogs. The more I let them sniff with out interruption, the less frantic they were trying to get to the next smell. They trusted we would get there when we got there and I would let them enjoy it. When we rush our dogs along, they can get stressed about getting to the next smell as fast as possible because they don’t know when they will be interrupted. They were calmer and less likely to pull on the leash. It’s their walk, let them enjoy how they wish!
These three things are simple ways we can help support our dogs in not ripping our arms off on walks 😂
