An enjoyable walk with their dog is the number one goal guardians state, when they contact me for help. Regardless of the pup’s age, size, or breed, walks without pulling seem to be a universal struggle.
Most owners report that their dogs primarily pull them towards scents. Scenting is one of the most natural, enriching, and entertaining activities known to dogs. Their amazing noses can smell a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic size swimming pool. It’s not a surprise then, that when a dog’s excited, their default behavior is to pull towards the next scent bomb. This isn’t defiance. Puppies and dogs have no idea what walking on a leash without pulling looks or feels like, until they’re taught. They’re just trying to get their needs met. What most humans don’t realize is that scenting changes dog brains for the better.
In my professional experience, all puppies over 14 weeks and adult dogs are 100% capable of walking with you without pulling. I’m not talking about a competition-worthy “heel,” but your puppy or dog walking with the leash loose between you, whether they’re in front, beside, or behind. Think that sounds too good to be true? It isn’t!
Behold the “sniffari” or “decompression walk.” With a little practice it becomes a calming activity for both humans and dogs.
Sniffaris are a gentle time you share with your best friend that burns off more canine mental and physical energy than what most humans consider to be an “exercise” walk.
On a sniffari, dogs and puppies stop and sniff where they want to, as frequently as they want to, for as long as they want to. When you’re moving, you’re moving together.
By using the leash to communicate between you, puppies and dogs learn how to walk without pulling. No leash yanking or “popping,” no yelling, or other punishment needed. We generously reward behaviors we want to repeat, and we calmly respond in native dog (body) language to behaviors we want to end. Your pup gets their physical needs met and their scenting instinct fulfilled, all for the price of walking without tension on the leash (or their neck).
In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more ideas and recommendations that can help you transform your dog walks into an enjoyable time that nurtures your bond, builds trust, and sets the foundation for a more cooperative relationship.
Upcoming Topics:
Leashes, Collars, and Harnesses, Oh My!
The Leash Conversation
Taking Care of Dog Business
Realistic Expectations and Enjoying the Journey
©️2025, Dee Green, SantaMonicaDogCoach.com
Dee Green has been a professional dog trainer and canine behavior consultant for more than 20 years. She specializes in building trust-based, cooperative relationships between guardians and puppies up to 18 months, and fearful, anxious, and reactive dogs of all ages