My Experience With Should I Let My Dog Walk in Front of Me?

Here's my story about should i let my dog walk in front of me? - I'm sharing this because I wish someone had told me earlier.

Question:

I’ve heard that you should never let your dog walk in front of you. Is that true?

Answer:

I learned this the hard way, but at least Rocky is okay now.

walking your dog is an essential part of responsible pet parenthood and contributes to a healthy, happy relationship between you and your four-legged friend.

When your dog walks in front of you, they are more likely to pull on the leash.

Dogs pull because the sheer act of pulling pays off: They get to sniff and forage as you hike on a trail or walk on the sidewalk.

One of the main reasons why some dog parents believe it’s necessary to lead is the misinterpretation of the “alpha dog” theory.

This theory suggests that dogs need to see their human as the pack leader.

Dogs are not wolves (though certain breeds may resemble them), and the concept of dominance in human-dog relationships is not as straightforward as it was once thought.

Dogs are highly adaptable and social creatures, and their behaviors are often influenced by positive reinforcement and rewarding experiences rather than strict hierarchical structures.

Walking beside your dog, rather than allowing them to walk in front, has several advantages.

First and foremost, it builds and reinforces the bond between you and your furry companion.

When your dog walks beside you, you are in a better position to observe and correct any undesirable actions promptly.

This reinforces positive behavior and prevents the formation of bad habits during your walks..

Additionally, walking beside your dog provides an opportunity for consistent training.

You can work on commands like “heel” or “leave it” while maintaining a structured walking pace.

Your pup should walk wherever is best for you and your relationship.

Every dog is different, and what works best for one may not be suitable for another.

This was definitely a learning experience for me. Rocky depends on me to keep him safe, and I'm trying to do better every day.