Leash walking question

[Karen]

We always allowed our dogs to walk in front, as long as they did not pull on the leash, and followed our instructions. We never had any dominance problems with them.

[dab_20]

We always allowed our dogs to walk in front, as long as they did not pull on the leash, and followed our instructions. We never had any dominance problems with them.

That's the same with me. I let them walk through doors infront of me, too. Personally, I don't think it really matters about how you should walk through doorways before them. Make sure your dog doesn't acctually pull on the leash, though.

[*iluvskipper*]

i don't think that matters at all. they can walk in front of you if they want to those ppl don't kno what they're talkin about!!!

[dab_20]

i don't think that matters at all. they can walk in front of you if they want to those ppl don't kno what they're talkin about!!!

Alot of people on here DO know what they are talking about. They are experienced dog owners and some are even trainers.

[VTJess03]

I have had problems with Belle and pulling (as you already know, Laura ). I found that when I started 'leading' and not 'following' especially through doorways, she started looking to me for directional leadership. If I make her walk beside or behind me, she pays more attention to me and less to the interesting things all around her.

Maddy seems to already be a submissive personality pooch, and seems to realize you're the boss. If Maddy is totally focused on you, I see no reason to make her walk behind or beside you, but if she's like Belle, and is determined to be the leader and set your course on the walk, she needs to be put back in her place (i.e. following your leadership in both commands and in choosing where to walk).

[pitc9]

Buddy is the best dog to walk, he is glued to my side and looks up at me once in a while as if to ask "Mom, may I please go sniff that?"
He's the best! So if he wants to walk in front of me to sniff something I'll let him (doesn't last long before he's back by my side)
Sierra on the other hand....ugh... she's a nighmare to walk!
She pulls like there's no tomorrow, tries to step in front of me all the time, etc. So when it comes to her I tell her when it's okay for her to leave my side and sniff what ever she wants. She's a bossy little lady if I don't keep a tight grip on her!
It all depends on the dog.
Yes, in my opinion it's okay to let your dog do as it pleases while walking as long as it doesn't become a problem!

[Vela]

If your dog is well leash trained and does not pull then it is okay to let them walk in front but only when YOU allow it. You should always be in control and they should heel immediately upon command. If you have a puller then it's best not to let them walk ahead of you as it puts them in control and not you. If anyone has watched Cesar Millan (Dog Whipserer) he stresses the importance of these things. These same types of things are discussed in the book "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennell. If your dog is submissive and sees you as the pack leader and responds to you right away, it's not as important to enforce the dominance all of the time and you can relax and let them go ahead of you, etc. If you have a problem dog it's very important to not even let them go out the door unless you tell them it's okay, especialy not in front of you.

"i don't think that matters at all. they can walk in front of you if they want to those ppl don't kno what they're talkin about!!!"

Personally, I will take the advice of Cesar Millan and various other dog trainers over your advice, as it appears you are the one who doesn't really know what you are talking about in this instance.

[Jessika]

i don't think that matters at all. they can walk in front of you if they want to those ppl don't kno what they're talkin about!!!

A lot of "those ppl" have owned, trained, and raised dogs their entire life (probably longer than I have even been alive) and I would imagine they most certainly DO know what they are talking about.

That having been said, it is fine so long as they are not pulling on the leash. The SECOND Jamie starts to pull, I stop dead in my tracks and do not resume walking until she has stopped pulling, or sat down (she usually sits as soon as I stop walking).