Hi everyone,

As many of you know, I have recently bought a black lab puppy named Zeppelin. When I got him, I imagined that our walks would be easy, fun, and a good source of exercise. Right now it's only a good source of exercise. :P

The biggest thing that bothers me is that he stops ALL THE TIME to sniff at this and that. I literally have to drag him away a lot (he wears a harness, so I'm not hurting his neck). It's extremely frustrating and embarrassing too, when others watch. I think if I let him sniff everywhere, our walk would take a few hours! Do you guys let your dogs sniff, or do you move them along? He also drags me to people whenever he sees them, I have to use a lot of my strength to keep him away because he'll just jump and acts way too hyper.

He is also not a leader right now, he doesn't lead the walks like most dogs. He often waits for me to walk, walks behind me, then continuously switches sides from behind so I have to keep switching the leash to my other hand. Again, frustrating and embarrassing.

He chases every single leaf that he sees blowing in the wind. I actually find this funny, but annoying too (especially since there are A LOT of leaves blowing right now, and he's a strong puppy!)

Any tips on how to make my dog a more disciplined walking buddy?

[lynn P.]

I see you live in Canada Melissa. I recommend taking your dog for training at Pet Smart. I took Bella there and she's very well trained although her walking still needs improving. Firstly this is all typical for a puppy. I let Bella sniff until she's does her pee and pooh and then sometimes I go walk on the the road away from the grass.

The best way to start is by carrying treats in your hand. Let him know you have them and keep him on a short leash once he's done his job. Keep him by your side and when he cooperates you reward him with a treat. Some people find the Gentle Leader Head Harness works well - this works but doesn't actually train your dog to walk by your side...it makes them because of the set up of the harness. I was almost going to get Bella one but decided not to because I want her to voluntarily comply to walking beside me. Pet Smart can give you good dog training and walking lessons. I hope it gets better to where he's a good walking buddy.

on obedience class is the way to go. he will be a large dog...so you will need to be able to control him. a harness is not a good thing to use. most dogs just pull harder with one..also they can back out of them. you are far better using what is called a "martingale" collar..lupine sells them on line or in some stores. they are guarrenteed for life. they are somewhat similar to a choke collar. they were designed to be used by greyhounds & other sight hounds..& are difficult to slip out of...they are NOT prong collars which 98% of people do not use properly.

don't communicate by smell. that is how your puppy figures out what is going on in his world. when a dog marks he leaves behind a scent. others come behind, sniff & mark.

yes walling can sometimes be time consuming especially with males. & male puppies. leaves...are just amazing...so much fun to watch & chase.

part of the issue is that you are not the alpha yet. i can read that in your post. if you have confidence then he will follow you...but it is not there yet. he follows weakly behind you unsure because you are unsure. he isn't ready to follow you as a matched set because he isn't sure you will keep him safe like an alpha pack leader should.

a class will give you both the skills you need.

use a short lead like lynn said, go to class, walk lots so he gets used to it & as he matures & you gain confidence so will he.

stumpy