17/06/2026
Training doesn't have to be tedious and your walks are one of the best places to prove it.
Most dogs are pretty well-behaved at home. It's out on the walk where things get interesting.
New smells, other dogs, bikes, joggers, squirrels and they're offski.
The good news is, you don't need to set aside separate "training time." You've already got it right there on your walk.
This is my girl in a down, mid-walk. I throw in the cue at random times and places.
Is it useful? Absolutely. Sometimes it's purely practical. Sometimes it's just for a photo op. Either way, she's ready when I ask her.
In between, we might do a hand touch, a short burst of focus work, some close contact heeling, some pattern games or I'll hide something for her to sniff out.
The rest of the time? She's pottering about doing doggy things, perfectly happy.
When you practice like this regularly, on different exercises when nothing's happening, your dog gets so used to checking in with you that it just becomes habit. So when a trigger does appear, they're far more likely to stay with you rather than disappearing into the fray.
That focus doesn't come from drilling. It comes from interacting with your dog in a positive way and building on your relationship bit by bit, every time you're out.
Ensure you reward your dog well, whether it's food, toys or the environment.🐾
