Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

If you are experiencing some behavior changes from regression to old behaviors to brand new ones popping up, this episode is for you.Welcome to this special replay episode.  I’m wanted to bring back this important episodes for anyone with a puppy who's entering adolescence.If you're feeling like your once sweet, well-behaved puppy is suddenly turning into a bit of a troublemaker—you're not alone.This is a super common struggle that many puppy owners face, and I’m here to help you navigate through it.In this replay, we’re diving deep into behavior changes that happen as your puppy grows, specifically during adolescence (around 5 to 18 months). You might have thought the hardest part was the early puppyhood days, but trust me—adolescence can be even more challenging.The behaviors that start cropping up during this phase—like jumping, counter surfing, barking in the crate, and more—can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you’ve just gotten things under control.But don’t worry, it’s completely normal, and I’m here to reassure you that you haven’t done anything wrong.In this episode I talk about:What behavior changes to expect as your puppy grows.Why these behavior changes are happening and what's behind them.How to stay patient as your dog goes through this phase of development. How to manage your puppy's new energy levels.Why consistency is key!Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:Not-So-New Puppy Behavior Workshop:  A 4-week virtual workshop designed for dogs aged 5-18 months, offering you expert guidance on those frustrating adolescent behaviors. Together, we’ll troubleshoot common challenges like barking, leash pulling, counter-surfing, impulse control, and more. YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

Tug of war is a game that dogs LOVE to play.  Yet I always get asked the question "Can I play tug of war with my dog?"The short answer is YES!  It's is great game for you and your pup.  It's easy to play, they love it, it burns lots of energy and tires out those heavy chewing jaws and nipping puppy teeth. So why is this a question?  Well, there's some misconceptions about tug of war that have been going around for a while. In this episode, I debunk the common myths, like the idea that it’s a dominance game or that you can't let your dog win.The vast majority of dogs can play tug of war with no problem.   There are some pups that need some rules to reduce any over stimulation or excitement.  No worries, I walk you through what to watch for if this is your pup—like vocal escalation or raised hackles.Plus, I’ve got a special video for you that shows how to use tug of war to teach your dog important skills like drop it and impulse control.So, grab your dog’s favorite toy and tune in to find out how you can safely enjoy this fun game with your pup!In this episode I talk about:Can you play tug of war with your dog?Why this is even a question.Signs to look for if you need to put rules in place. How tug of war can benefit your dog.Free resource on how to teach your dog impulse control with a game of tug of war.Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #087: Is Your Dog Trying to Dominate You? YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

Tug of war is a game that dogs LOVE to play.  Yet I always get asked the question "Can I play tug of war with my dog?"The short answer is YES!  Tug of war is great game for you and your pup.  It's easy to play, they love it, it burns lots of energy and tires out those heavy chewing jaws and nipping puppy teeth. So why is this a question?  Well, there's some misconceptions about tug of war that have been going around for a while. In this episode, I debunk the common myths about tug of war, like the idea that it’s a dominance game or that you can't let your dog win.The vast majority of dogs can play tug of war with no problem.   There are some pups that need some rules to reduce any over stimulation or excitement (because tug of war is just so fun!).  No worries, I walk you through what to watch for—like vocal escalation or raised hackles.Plus, I’ve got a special video for you that shows how to use tug of war to teach your dog important skills like drop it and impulse control.So, grab your dog’s favorite toy and tune in to find out how you can safely enjoy this fun game with your pup!How to Use Tug of War toTeach Impulse ControlTug of war is not only a fun game that your dog loves but you can use it to teach your dog to control their excitement (also known as impulse control). As a bonus, I also talk a little bit about "drop it"It's a two-minute video that will give you and your pup hours of fun!In this episode I talk about:Can you play tug of war with your dog?Why this is even a question.Signs to look for if you need to put rules in place. How tug of war can benefit your dog.Free resource on how to teach your dog impulse control with a game of tug of war.Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #087: Is Your Dog Trying to Dominate You? YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

Welcome to Episode 100 of Your New Puppies Podcast! I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you, my amazing listeners. As I reflect back, I started to think about what I've learned and the things I believed before I became a dog trainer.  I wanted to share some key lessons with you because unless you've become a dog trainer yourself, you may believe these same things.The three lessons I talk about:Even if you've lived with dogs before, being the one in charge of their well being and training is a very different experience.Puppies aren't a blank slate.Dogs don't inherently get along, just because their dogs.In celebration of 100 episodes and to thank my listeners you will receive a free gift if you join one of my digital programs.I’m offering two special promotions for a limited time!If you join my signature course, YOUR Perfect Puppy, receive a complimentary one-on-one 45 minute video session.Join 14 Days to a Stronger Recall program and receive 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It free!YOUR Perfect Puppy is my signature 4 week puppy course designed to help raise your puppy into a happy, well mannered dog. You also get 6 months inside Playtime Paws Academy which is where you get direct access to me to support you through your puppy raising journey.14 Days to a Stronger Recall is a mini program designed to teach you the foundation you need to teach your dog to come to you every time you call in any environment.  With 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It you'll also learn how to teach your dog not to pick up everything on your walk!Note: Both 14 Days to a Stronger Recall and 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It are inside of YOUR Perfect Puppy.  So, if you can't decide, joining YOUR Perfect Puppy will get you all of the above!!If you have a questions about any of these programs or offers feel free to email me info@playtimepaws.comJoin me in this celebration as we embark on the next chapter together.In this episode I talk about:How far the podcast has come.Why I love working with new puppy parents.Until we're in it, we don't fully understand what it's like to raise a puppy. Why who your dog becomes is a combination of nature and nurture.Socialization isn't about your dog learning to love other dogs, it's about learning how to communicate.Two free gifts to celebrate 100 episodes and thank you, my listeners.Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #073: Does Your Dog's Breed Matter? YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.14 Days to a Stronger Recall:  Learn how to have the freedom and peace of mind when your dog comes to you every time you call!

The holiday season is a popular time to bring a new puppy into the family.  But how we do it can make a big difference in the well being of all involved. Now before I totally burst your bubble, I'm not saying you shouldn't get a puppy this time of year (though there are things to consider while making that decision).    What I'm going to talk about here is why you shouldn't surprise someone (kids or adult) with the actual puppy on a specific day - Christmas morning, for example. We think of it as a special magical moment where a puppy comes out of a box and our kids or family member is overwhelmed with joy.  But the reality is, this can be a stressful experience for a puppy who is also meeting their new family for the first time. If you're considering getting a puppy around the holidays, this episode will help you keep the time special while making sure it's a joyful and stress free experience for both humans and puppies!Enjoy!In this episode I talk about:What to think about when giving a puppy as a gift.Why you shouldn't plan a surprise with an actual puppy. The importance of building trust with your puppy during the first few days home.The importance of preparing your family before bringing a puppy home.Alternative ways to make the holiday special without surprising someone with an actual puppy.Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #060: Kids and PuppiesThe 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home - Video seriesBook a virtual session with DebbieYOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

Why your dog isn't listening depends on a bunch of factors including what your asking them to do, where they are, what you've taught them previously, and more.It's one of the most common questions I get but it's also one of the hardest to answer.  I usually need ALOT more information.  From my experience, I've narrowed it down to 5 reasons.  They are not mutually exclusive.  In fact, chances are it's a blend of a few reasons.  The five reasons are:You haven't taught them what you're asking for.You skipped some steps in their training.You haven't practiced in this environment.They've already learned they don't have to listen.Today is just not the day. Once we can pinpoint the reason (or reasons) we can start to figure out what to do next. Enjoy!In this episode I talk about:Expectations you should have for puppies.The five reasons your dog is not listening. Examples of each reason.How to tell which reason your dog isn't listening.What your next step is.Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #057: How to Teach Your Dog to Listen With DistractionsYNP #064: The Downside of a Fenced-in YardYNP #080: Why I Don't Teach "Off"YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies.

Just about every dog is going to have some trouble with the hot weather.  For some dogs even a slight elevation in temperature will find them seeking out the shade and wanting shorter walks. The heat itself can be tiring for a dog so it tends to shorten walks and activity.  This will result in us having to find creative ways to entertain our dog and burn some energy. For this episode I reached right into my Enrichment Database (available with YOUR Perfect Puppy) to find some activities that are perfect for a hot day.  I have you covered if you want to play with water, sit in the shade with a frozen treat, or stay inside and avoid the heat altogether.Enjoy! In this episode I talk about:Dogs that are sensitive to the heat.How to recognize heat stroke in a dog. Different types of water activities to try with your pup.Different types of frozen treats to make for your pup.Indoor activities to avoid the heat all together.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:Articles on heat stroke in dogs:https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogshttps://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heatstroke-in-dogs/Rover Round Robin:  A fun family recall game you can turn into hide and seek (request the step by step directions)YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies.

It can be counter intuitive but when your puppy has a potty accident, we shouldn't punish them.You may feel that you need to do something to let them know "this is wrong".  Or maybe you know that you're not supposed to punish your puppy's potty accidents but you're not sure why.In general, I discourage using punishment as a form of teaching your puppy anything.  But this question comes up a lot around potty training. In Episode #10: (Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy), I talk about what to do when your puppy has an accident.  Punishment is never part of it.  In this episode, I'm going to talk about why that is. In this episode I talk about:Why I get this question around potty training.What I mean by "punishment". What we are supposed to do with potty accidents.Why dogs learn better when told what to do (instead of what not to do).How puppies don't know going potty inside is wrong (yet!).Press play and enjoy!https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/compare-pet-insurance-quotes/https://www.pet-insurance-university.com/guide_to_pet_insurance.htmlOther resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #010:  Complete Guide to Potty Training Your PuppyYNP #039:  The Most Common Potty AccidentsYNP #079:  Are You Still Struggling With Potty Training?Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

How do you know if your kids are ready for a dog?  And if they are, how do you prepare them for bringing that new dog home?Well lucky for you (and me) Justine Schuurmans, the expert on families, kids, and dogs,  is going to answer those questions.Justine is the founder of The Family Dog and the creator of The Dial Method.  Her work with families has greatly impacted how I work with kids and puppies to this day.  The best part?  This is part one of a two part series.  Stay tuned for part two where she talks about what to do when the your kids and the dog aren't BFFs like you planned.In this episode we talk about:Are your kids ready for a dog?Are you ready for a new dog? How much can you depend on the kids help?Why younger kids shouldn't be in charge of walking the dog. Picking the right dog for your family's lifestyle.How to prepare your kids for when the dog comes home.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:The Family Dog resources:  This page includes the resources both Justine and I talked about inside the interview including the video that I think EVERY parent should watch along with the Pet, Pat, Pause flyer. YNP Episode #002: Which Type of Dog is Right for You?YOUR Perfect Puppy's course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy's life together. More about Justine:Justine is a former Nickelodeon and MTV producer and dog trainer for over 20 years, specializing in working with young families. Her mission is to help parents, kids and dogs understand each other better and live safely and happily together.  She's the founder of The Family Dog, STOP THE 77 and the creator of The Dial Method.

If you're a parent, how do you know if your kids are ready for a dog?  And if they are, how do you prepare them for bringing that new dog home?Well lucky for you (and me) Justine Schuurmans, the expert on families, kids, and dogs,  is going to answer those questions.Justine is the founder of The Family Dog and the creator of The Dial Method.  Her work with families has greatly impacted how I work with kids and puppies to this day.  The best part?  This is part one of a two part series.  Stay tuned for part two where she talks about what to do when the your kids and the dog aren't BFFs like you planned.In this episode we talk about:Are your kids ready for a dog?Are you ready for a new dog? How much can you depend on the kids help?Why younger kids shouldn't be in charge of walking the dog. Picking the right dog for your family's lifestyle.How to prepare your kids for when the dog comes home.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:The Family Dog resources:  This page includes the resources both Justine and I talked about inside the interview including the video that I think EVERY parent should watch along with the Pet, Pat, Pause flyer. YNP Episode #002: Which Type of Dog is Right for You?YNP Episode #095: When Things Go Wrong Between the Kids and Dog? With Justine Schuurmans (Part Two)YOUR Perfect Puppy's course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy's life together. More about Justine:Justine is a former Nickelodeon and MTV producer and dog trainer for over 20 years, specializing in working with young families. Her mission is to help parents, kids and dogs understand each other better and live safely and happily together.  She's the founder of The Family Dog, STOP THE 77 and the creator of The Dial Method.

It can be counter intuitive but when your puppy has a potty accident, we shouldn't punish them.You may feel that you need to do something to let them know "this is wrong".  Or maybe you know that you're not supposed to punish your puppy's potty accidents but you're not sure why.In general, I discourage using punishment as a form of teaching your puppy anything.  But this question comes up a lot around potty training. In Episode #10: (Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy), I talk about what to do when your puppy has an accident.  Punishment is never part of it.  In this episode, I'm going to talk about why that is. In this episode I talk about:Why I get this question around potty training.What I mean by "punishment". What we are supposed to do with potty accidents.Why dogs learn better when told what to do (instead of what not to do).How puppies don't know going potty inside is wrong (yet!).Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #010:  Complete Guide to Potty Training Your PuppyYNP #039:  The Most Common Potty AccidentsYNP #079:  Are You Still Struggling With Potty Training?Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

You may know that you're not supposed to punish your puppy's potty accidents but maybe you don't know why.In general, I discourage using punishment as a form of teaching your puppy anything but this question comes up a lot around potty training. Since, you know I never miss an opportunity to discuss the why behind training I'd like to take the opportunity to answer the questions "why are we not supposed to punish potty accidents?"In this episode I talk about:Why I get this question around potty training.What I mean by "punishment". What we are supposed to do with potty accidents.Why dogs learn better when told what to do (instead of what not to do).Puppies don't know going potty inside is wrong.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #010:  Complete Guide to Potty Training Your PuppyYNP #039:  The Most Common Potty AccidentsYNP #079:  Are You Still Struggling With Potty Training?Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Is your dog trying to dominate you?  The short answer is no, they are not.  And though that might not come as a surprise to you, what isn't always clear is why it's not true.  Especially because this theory that dogs want to dominate us or some dogs are more "dominate" than others still comes up a lot in dog training. That's why I want to talk about where this dominance and alpha theory came from, how it's been debunked, and why it still persists even though we now know better. I believe this information is important because helps us better understand our dog and how they see the world so we can better communicate with them and teach them how we want them to behave in our human world.  As always, the resources I talk about in this episode are listed all below. In this episode I talk about:Where the dominance and alpha theory came from. How we now know that there's no such thing as an "alpha" dog in a natural wolf pack.Why dominance and alpha theory is still (incorrectly) used.What is actually happening when we think we see a "dominate" or "submissive" dog.Why I think it's so important to understand the difference.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:International Wolf Center: An article by the organization that conducted the ordinal study on why they no longer use the term "alpha".Dave Mech (pronounced "meesh"): An article and video by the scientist that wrote the book that made the "alpha" theory popular on why it's no longer accurate. YNP #038: The One Thing You Need to Know About Dog Behavior.YNP #040: How to be Your Dog's Pack LeaderPlaytime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

If you have a dog that refuses to go outside in the rain. you know how annoying and time consuming it is.  It's even worse when you're trying to potty train a young puppy that isn't going to hold it until it stops raining.  For most dogs they will learn to tolerate it but for others it may always be a struggle. We know we should stay positive to try and change their association but when you've been outside for the 10th time in the rain and they still haven't gone it's hard not to let that frustration show through. Different things will work for different dogs.  That's why in this episode I just run through a bunch of things to try to improve your pup's relationship to being wet and cold so you can both spend more times inside the toasty warm house.  In this episode I talk about:Finding the right rain gear. Creating a special place in your yard.Using a potty cue.Change their association with the rain and rain gear.Why does your dog love to swim but hates the rain (or their bath).Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Teaching your dog to wear a muzzle might not be something that you have thought of.  Muzzles have a bad rap and a lot of times we think of them as a last resort type of tool.  Where muzzles can benefit us and our pups in a lot of ways.Muzzle training our dog entails exposing our dogs to wearing a muzzle in a positive, stress-free way (see resources below on how to do this).  That way when we find ourselves in a situation where one may be necessary our dog already knows the drill.  And when we take away that bad stigma and don't hesitate to use one, it can bring all stress levels down making everything go smoother.  Plus, there's reasons that have nothing to do with biting or aggression. As always, the resources I talk about in this episode are listed all below. In this episode I talk about:Why every dog should be exposed to a muzzle regardless of their temperament. Specific situations where we can reduce the stress of all involved by exposing our dog to a muzzle first. Reasons to muzzle train that have nothing to do with aggression.Reasons to use a muzzle while working on behavior modification.Reasons not to hesitate to muzzle train your reactive dog.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:American Kennel Club: Dog Muzzles: When, Why, and How to Correctly Use ThemVet.Cornell.edu : Muzzle ChoicesMichael Shikashio: A video on how to Accumulate your dog to a muzzle (this is the guy to follow for ANY muzzle or aggressive dog content).Michael Shikashio: How to find the right fit for your dog.Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Socialization is the most important training you can do for your puppy.  It's also the most overlooked and misunderstood part of your puppy's training.When done correctly as a puppy, socialization creates a confident, well adjusted dog.  And who doesn't want that for their puppy?  I've gathered the 4 most common misconceptions about socialization to help you better understand what socialization is all about.Each topic has it's own podcast episode where you can learn even more.  As always, the resources I talk about in this episode are listed all below. In this episode I talk about:What socialization is. How socialization is about more than dogs.How your puppy's experience matters.How age matters.When socialization is about dogs.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #074: How to Socialize Your Puppy Without Leaving Your House.YNP #063: My 7 Guidelines for Socializing Your DogYNP #021: Balancing Vaccines and SocializationYNP #013: Dog Park vs. Dog DaycareYNP #058: How to Recognize Appropriate Dog PlayPlaytime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Is your dog trying to dominate you?  The short answer is no, they are not.  And though that might not come as a surprise to you, what isn't always clear is why it's not true.  Especially because this theory that dogs want to dominate us or some dogs are more "dominate" than others still comes up a lot in dog training. That's why I want to talk about where this dominance and alpha theory came from, how it's been debunked, and why it still persists even though we now know better. I believe this information is important because helps us better understand our dog and how they see the world so we can better communicate with them and teach them how we want them to behave in our human world.  As always, the resources I talk about in this episode are listed all below. In this episode I talk about:Where the dominance and alpha theory came from. How we now know that there's no such thing as an "alpha" dog in a natural wolf pack.Why dominance and alpha theory is still (incorrectly) used.What is actually happening when we think we see a "dominate" or "submissive" dog.Why I think it's so important to understand the difference.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:International Wolf Center: An article by the organization that conducted the ordinal study on why they no longer use the term "alpha".Dave Mech (pronounced "meesh"): An article and video by the scientist that wrote the book that made the "alpha" theory popular on why it's no longer accurate. YNP #038: The One Thing You Need to Know About Dog Behavior.YNP #040: How to be Your Dog's Pack LeaderPlaytime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Potty training can be overwhelming.  The good news is, one of the first things we can check off the list is getting our puppy to sleep through the night.   Potty training overnight is a little different than during the day.  Even though they can hold it longer overnight, they still aren't going to make more than 4 hours or so at first.   Our goal is to take them out as little as possible while still minimizing the risk for accidents.  I give you the steps to make this happen. I've seen puppies as young as 10 weeks sleep through the night but most will be closer to 16 weeks. Hopefully, this episode will get you closer to that uninterrupted night's sleep! Remember the one thing that trumps all else????  Say it with me WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE YOUR PUPPY OUT! In this episode I talk about: How long your puppy can "hold it" overnight.  What to do before bed to prepare for overnight potty breaks. Why I recommend setting an alarm. How to let your puppy sleep longer while lowering the risk of overnight accidents.  Additional tips to make overnights a little easier. Press play and enjoy! Other resources mentioned and related to this episode: YNP #010: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy YNP #079: Are you Still Struggling With Potty Training? Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Potty training can be overwhelming.  The good news is, one of the first things we can check off the list is getting our puppy to sleep through the night.  Potty training overnight is a little different than during the day.  Even though they can hold it longer overnight, they still aren't going to make more than 4 hours or so at first.  Our goal is to take them out as little as possible while still minimizing the risk for accidents.  I give you the steps to make this happen.I've seen puppies as young as 10 weeks sleep through the night but most will be closer to 16 weeks.Hopefully, this episode will get you closer to that uninterrupted night's sleep!Remember the one thing that trumps all else????  Say it with me WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE YOUR PUPPY OUT!In this episode I talk about:How long your puppy can "hold it" overnight. What to do before bed to prepare for overnight potty breaks.Why I recommend setting an alarm.How to let your puppy sleep longer while lowering the risk of overnight accidents. Additional tips to make overnights a little easier.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #010: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your PuppyYNP #079: Are you Still Struggling With Potty Training?Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

When we thing of what our dog's walk should look like we think of them walking by our side without being distracted by anything and only sniffing when we say it's ok.   Spoiler alert!  There is NO "should". I'm here to let you off the hook.  Your walk doesn't have to be perfect.  As long as your dog is 6 feet from you, you and your dog are enjoying the walk, and everyone around you is safe, then I don't care what your walk looks like.  No we don't want them dragging us down the street (then we wouldn't be enjoying the walk) but we also don't need them in a "heel" position the whole time (then they wouldn't enjoy the walk). It's about finding the balance that works for you and your dog.  In this episode I talk about: What my rules for what your dog's walk should look like. What my rules aren't.  Why every dog should know "heel". Why I encourage your walk to NOT be perfect.  A note about puppies and when your dog should have strict rules. Press play and enjoy! Other resources mentioned and related to this episode: YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home YNP #050: Three Most Common Leash Walking Questions Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.