Apparently I'm Doing Dog Walks Wrong

Confession: On walks, I let dogs walk in front of me. In fact, I prefer it.

I’ve gotten some well-meaning advice from strangers (and family...):

“You should keep your dog in a heel, walking at your side, because that’s what good dogs do.”

Or,

“If you let your dog walk in front of you, it means they don’t respect you and they think they’re in charge.”

Or, the phrase that really grinds my gears,

“Who’s walking who?”

Are there times when a heel is useful? Sure! On a crowded sidewalk, I like my dog close by for everyone’s safety.

Are there times when my dog walks ahead of me, and now thinks she’s the boss and head of household? I wish! These income taxes aren’t paying themselves.

I’m not saying I let my dog drag me by the leash. But yeah, she gets to lead the way most of the time. And why do I prefer it?

I get to watch body language. When my girl Minnie was alive, let’s say I saw her lift her nose to sniff the air, then lean forward with a high tail, ears rotated forward, mouth clamped shut, eyes wide, pupils dilated, hackles raised. It would mean that her doggie archnemesis, Rosie, was nearby. If Minnie were right by my side, it would be harder to see the signs that I should use her emergency skills to prevent a reaction.

They have more freedom. Dogs already have so little say in their day-to-day lives. So if we’re walking for my dog's benefit and exercise, I want them to explore and choose where to go. (Within reason!)

I can keep them out of trouble. Most dogs would absolutely devour some discarded chicken bones, and it would be the best day of their lives. And then we’d all pay the consequences with a trip to the vet. (Y'all, why are there so many chicken bones around Boston??) If I can keep my eyeballs on where they're about to sniff, I can intervene by asking for a recall or emergency U-turn. (Want your dog to learn those skills? Check out my training services and then schedule a free call to chat!)