[K9luv]

Just a thought, but when my pup and I are walking on the street or anywhere there is/ might be traffic, he heals. When we get to a greenspace, I let him direct me. I give him the cue 'go sniff' when it's free reign (but on lead).

Maybe you could try training a 'go sniff' means he can poke around as he wants to (like in your yard). When you want him on a heal, get the pez dispenser back out and train the heal.

My backyard is fenced in, but in the front my pup is tied on. That way he can still move as he pleases, but he won't run off. I ALWAYS watch my pup when he's tied on, but maybe it could be easier and put a bit of distance between yourself and your pup to gain some independence. Only if he's ok with that.

 

[K9luv]

I agree, just to correct my last post, we do more loose leash walking than heal. Only time he heals is passing other predestrians in a side walk or when we are in a tight traffic space like a parking lot. For the most part we keep in a forward motion, but I'll stop and let him sniff too, especially when it's hot and we take more breaks in the shade. I don't count distance, I count time and also I love to see different triggers to take a training opportunity.