KEY TAKEAWAYS

Loose lead walking is not about forcing a dog to march perfectly beside you.

It is a skill that needs to be taught gradually.

Remember:

• Dogs naturally move faster than we do, so walking at our pace can be difficult.

• Pulling often continues because pulling has worked in the past.

• Start training somewhere quiet and relatively easy.

• Avoid beginning your hardest training at the most exciting part of the walk.

• Practise when you are not in a rush or trying to reach somewhere.

• Use rewards your dog genuinely values.

• Reward beside your leg to create a useful reward zone.

• Reinforce voluntary check-ins.

• Change direction rather than getting into a tug of war.

• If the lead becomes tight, stopping can help prevent pulling from being rewarded with forward movement.

• Keep sessions short and achievable.

• Allow your dog plenty of opportunities to sniff and enjoy their walk.

The goal is not perfection.

For me, successful loose lead walking means having a dog who can walk on a reasonably relaxed lead, stay connected with their owner and learn that being close and checking in is rewarding.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

•   Puppy biting and chewing is completely normal behaviour, not bad behaviour

• Puppies explore the world with their mouths and go through a teething phase (12–16 weeks)

• Biting often increases due to over-excitement, over-arousal, or tiredness

• Puppies may also bite to gain attention or when they are bored

• Meeting your dog’s physical and mental needs reduces unwanted chewing

• You should teach your puppy what to do instead, rather than just trying to stop the behaviour

• Consistency, routine, and calm interactions are key to improving puppy biting