These Paws Are Made for Walking

Many people get a dog because they want a walking partner. Dogs are eager walkers and quite motivational to get you out the door and striding around the neighborhood. When I say “walk,” I mean a half-hour or longer period of time during which you and your dog are actively walking—not the morning or evening “potty” time when you hurriedly get Casey to piddle.

Unfortunately for many dog owners, their dogs walk them. This experience is unpleasant for both parties. Owners get their arms yanked, and dogs are often gagging at the collar to sniff the latest scent.

People considering a Doberman often wonder if the Doberman is easily trained to leash. The answer depends on many different factors, such as the dog’s bonding to you, his individual personality, and how he is trained.

As with training any breed, you should be well bonded to the Doberman before you begin training. Dobermans are known for listening only to their primary caretaker. If you're starting with a puppy, practice with the leash in a familiar place such as your yard. Don’t worry too much about proper heeling; just get him used to the idea of going with you. When he starts darting off, tell him, “Heel!” and guide him back to you. Don’t be concerned if he yanks himself by the neck; your Doberman is not going to unduly hurt himself. When he is heeling (walking by your left side at the same rate as you), praise him, “Good heel. Good heel.”

Eventually, he’ll get the idea that heeling is a lot more fun than yanking his neck. You should not allow him to charge off after new smells and sights. You are the boss.

Older dogs may have already had some training. If they still do not heel well, here are a few tricks to help you.

Talk to the dog constantly. This will keep his attention on you, not the rabbit that recently hopped this way. Even prattle such as, “Oh, yes! Sarah’s a good girl, yes, she is! A good blue Dobie, she is! Yes, she is!” The content doesn’t matter; your voice does.

Use a long lead so that you can spin the excess around like a propeller just in front of the dog’s nose. If he bolts, the leash will tap his nose and remind him of where he needs to be.

If she is particularly strong-willed, use a choke chain collar. Some people believe that these collars are inhumane; however, if the dog is strong enough to yank your arm so hard that it hurts, who is the one being treated inhumanely? Choke collars are not meant to punish the dog or to choke him. The simply tighten when the dog pulls away from you, and slacken when he walks properly. Choke chain collars can also be used to curb occasional pullers. When the dog darts from the path, you simply say, “No!” while giving a sharp tug at the leash. Release it immediately. Choke chain collars with prongs on the inside can injure Dobermans because their coats are not thick enough to insulate their skin.

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