#18 So When Can My Dog Sniff?
Highfives Insights: When I first bring up the 'structured version of the walk', I am frequently asked 'so when DOES my dog get to sniff?' or ‘When does my dog get to ‘be a dog’?’
I feel that is a contradicting statement. If anyone truly wants their dog to 'be a dog', they shouldn't be complaining when their dog digs up the garden, barks at triggers, hunts the neighbour’s cat, or chews the furniture. Frankly, they shouldn't even be using a leash on the walk if they were so concerned about allowing their dog to 'be a dog'.
Many people believe that dogs need to explore which I totally agree with. The problem is that only a few of people actually train their dog to gain off-leash reliability and freedom.
The reason most people allow their dogs to ultimately rule the walk is because of one feeling... Guilt.
Think about it… The dog is usually stuck inside for the whole day until her human returns home from work. The human doesn't have enough energy or time to commit to the full hour of exercise and training. In order to get the dog to drain more energy, the dog is allowed to have the full length of leash to do whatever she wants. Not to mention the use of retractable leash or dog parks! There is no disagreement for unwanted behaviours or enforcement of discipline because the human feels bad for having the dog walk at their side.
Another example is to take the average 'rescue' dog... She may have been abused, neglected, or in a kennel her whole life, so many people use that as an excuse and will see it as cruel to have her walk in such a controlled manner when she finally gets her freedom. Unfortunately, the pity felt for the dog's past is stronger then the present-moment leadership that is necessary for balance and the proper high-standard expectations.
Technically, the reason people struggle on the Walk is because they end up compromising on their standards and losing the entire structural aspect because they feel guilty or uncertain. The dog isn't given any guidelines and only receives weak energy from the owner. No wonder the relationship between dog and human goes downhill!
This is why I recommend mastering the basics before giving more freedom. By providing the proper leadership and fulfilment that a dog needs, getting rid of negative energy instead of caving in with compromises because of a guilty conscience will allow much more progression on the reliable freedom front! We are not taking anything away from the dog in the long run. In fact, a dog who can behave and follow on a short lead is way more likely to learn how to respond off-lead. They unlock the option of total freedom!
An absolute part of the structured Walk is the management of break time. Your dog should only be allowed to stop for a potty/sniff break, on your terms only, once every 10-20 minutes. This helps to eliminate pulling, constant marking, and distractions while encouraging your dog to stay focused on you. Typically on a 45 minute walk, a dog should get 3 breaks.
You can also utilize long-line training, where you give your dog up to 50 feet of rope when passing through open parks or trails. This is a responsible and effective way to give a dog more freedom while also building upon training and trust.
And one more thing to remember… If your dog is following a scent, he is not following you. A nose glued to the ground is usually shut off to the rest of the world. Allowing your dog to practice sniffing and pulling for the entire walk creates a mindset without limits and often over-stimulates the dog at the end of the day!
No train no gain,
Jenna