I hear strange things from dog owners like:
- I was told that I had to walk in front of my dog because I'm the leader and leaders walk in front.
- I shouldn't let my dog sniff when we're on a walk – his head should be up off the ground.
- My dog should be looking at me when we walk, not at other dogs.
I'm not sure where or how these ideas are started (or perpetuated), but I'm here to tell you that none of these statements are true.
The canine nose is a finely tuned, exquisite piece of machinery. Dogs' brains have more space devoted to smells than we do. Their sense of smell is keener. Just because we can't small something doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It means that our olfactory equipment is inferior to our dogs olfactory equipment.
To deny your dog the pleasure of sniffing would be like me telling you that tv was now banned. Oh, and so's the internet. And cable. And radio.
How would you know what's going on in the world without those things?
And more importantly, how boring would your world be without those things?
Sniffing, for dogs, is like us surfing the web. It's how we take in information, how we pass the time, and how we can keep in touch with the world around us.
You won't be creating a monster if your dog is allowed to walk in front of you. I actually prefer my dogs to be slightly in front of me. If I want to make a turn, I don't have to worry about tripping over a dog. If your dog is pulling you, though, you've got a different problem. (Click the link for info on how to help solve the problem.)
Expecting – or wanting – a dog to walk without sniffing isn't practical. It isn't fun for the dog. Which means it won't be fun for you. And isn't that why you're walking the dog in the first place?
So give your dog time to stop and sniff the bushes. Or the post. Or the fire hydrant. To him it's like reading the paper. And perhaps the leisurely pace will offer you some de-stress and downtime as well. Now that's a win-win!
Well said Laurie. How’s ATL???
Thanks Kathy. Atlanta is good. A whopping 51 degrees today! The workshop is going well. The Karen Pryor Academy is top notch, and so are the students! (And their dogs, of course.) Just talked to my husband on the phone and hear T alos bark. Which of course got the other barking, too. It was good to hear them! 🙂
Thanks for this Laurie. So often dog owners have the impression that walks should consist of full-on heeling the entire walk, and that really sets dogs up to fail and for owners to be disappointed in them, too. That’s not the way I like to take walks, and I’m pretty sure it’s not a fun time for most dogs, too! I think it’s unrealistic for us to think that dogs should have to continuously ignore and disengage from the world around them. I own a breed of dog, the basenji, which is a sight hound as well as scent hound, so our walks are comprised of training with lots of sniff and ‘stare at the squirrel in the tree’ breaks. Our walks are far more enjoyable, and I think I more greatly appreciate the very different way in which they experience the world.
Good point Laurie.
I teach people that there is a time for work and a time for relaxing.
To accomplish that I incorporate a release word in the training so both the dog and owner remain clear about what is expected on walks.
It doesn’t matter where the dog is walking in my book–and I teach both loose leash and heel positions.
The important thing is that he or she responds when asked.
People get confused and think they “must” have a dog heel.
Bbut if I ask if this matters or if they are going into competition–they usually say “no.”
Then it is a whole other ballgame with a lot more freedom of expression.
Yes, for the sight hounds, you’ve got the additional reinforcer/distractor (depending on the way you look at it!) such as squirrels.
I try to tell people: it’d be like me taking you to the Smithsonian Museum and telling you NOT to look at the exhibits! 🙂
For the service dogs, we need to teach a heel position. Especially for the brace dogs – they’ve got to stay close enough to their person almost all the time.
Pet owners don’t have those strict requirements and I think they’ll have more fun with their dog if they allow the sniffing and the leisurely pace. 🙂
I strongly recommend you take your dog to the vet about the shedding. I’m a behavior expert and am not qualified to comment on medical issues. Your vet is your best resource. Hope all turns out well!
Keeping your dog confined for his safety is the best course of action if there is any danger of toxic substances. If the “stuff” isn’t safe for your dog to sniff, the responsible thing to do is keep the dog away. You can use a leash, tether, crate, baby gate — whatever works for your house and your dog.
I want to thank you so much. I had been reading up on walking my dog since my Golden Retriver, Tristan recieved his last shot. The last dog I had would pull me everywhere and I could never find a way to train her otherwise. I wanted to train Tristan right, but everything I was reading was about how to control them and be the leader of the pack. Don’t let them stop, sniff, or otherwise do anything but what you want them to. It was not working and by the weeks end I was at my wits end. Needless to say I googles some more and can across your site. The last two days have been a huge change and both Tristan and myself are enjoying our walks together so much more. It is more comfortable for both of us. So thanks from both Tristan and me I know that we are going to enjoy years of walking to come.
Yes, not letting the dog sniff around is like telling someone no TV or no Xbox. But you forget that parents say that to their kids all the time.
I think with the sniffing and digging, the dog must first earn it before I let him do it.
Just like the way alot of parents say to their kids –> No TV or Playing until you’ve finished your homework.