Sniffing while on a walk

[samanthac]

I have a "five second rule" for sniffing most things, and my dog learned pretty quickly to go as far ahead as he can without pulling (he's not in formal heeling on walks, just loose lead walking) and get in a good sniff before I've gone past him and he has to move along. I'll occasionally stop and let him sniff for a good long while, but walks have to be enjoyable for BOTH of us, so I don't let him decide when it's time to stop and sniff for extended periods.

This is my method as well. It works quite nicely and even Disel is starting to understand the sanctity of the end of the leash range. Not only are our walks exercise for them, but a good cardio workout for me, too, so I like to keep it moving along. Plus, when it takes an hour to walk two dogs briskly, and when adding a third ina few months, we need to keep things moving right along! ;)