[Joshann]

We have an 8 month old Mini Australian Shepherd. We have been working on loose leash walking for months. I am wondering if we are doing it right. She always walks in front of us. Most of the time, though, the leash is loose. If it gets tight, we turn around and go the other way. So should we be insisting that she walk beside, not in front of us? Or is it O.K. for her to walk in front as long as the leash is loose?

[crazydog06]

Well, my dog walks in front but I don't really want her to. As long as she is not pulling, I think it is fine. I don't see many dogs that DO walk beside their owners unless the owners insist it.

[Tamara]

I agree I use the heel when special attention is needed (danger, traffic,crowds etc...) But for a relaxed walk her leading on a loose lead is good and more natural. I used the same technique of turning when they pulled (with lots of praise)to get mine not to pull it does really work.

[Joshann]

Thank you very much for responding. We'll keep doing as we're doing then.

[Curbside Prophet]

I insist that Elsa walk at heel for two reasons. The first being, I want her to concentrate at walking on heel. Combining physical and mental stimulation will always make a dog more tired than physical stimulation alone. I need Elsa to be tired, she's a very high energy dog, and if she's walking out front doing her own thing then she's not concentrating. Although, I do allow free roaming time in the middle of our walks...dogs should be allowed to be dogs. The second reason is, I don't want to trip over her. when left with a loose leash in front, she darts back and forth sniffing every tree...she's a hazard in that sense, lol. I guess I have a third reason too...stray dogs. It's a lot harder to reel in a dog if they are out front than they are if at heel. This poses to be a bigger problem if you use a retractable leash like I do.