Heeling versus the "snuffle walk"

[JeanT]

I love watching my dog snort and snuffle at smells on a walk. When he's heeling, he can't do this. Is it bad to have him do a snuffle walk? If so, when does he get to snuffle? For that matter, if it's OK, when should he get to snuffle and with what kind of restrictions on his movement? thanks.

[lblax]

when your just out for a recreational walk all that is important is that they walk on a loose lead let them have fun that is what a walk is for , they should know the heal command for the times you need them by your side...... for a dog to heal constantly is very stressful

[JeanT]

Thank you, then we are snuffling pretty well. We are not heeling well. We both hate it. I need to work on my attitude.

[Judi W]

Those are not your only two choices. It is rare that we do a snuffle walk, but I also do not ask for actual heeling on pleasure walks. We are usually out for exercise. That means the dogs have the full lead, but we are moving briskly. They can stop for a sniff as long as the lead doesn't tighten. In other words, they have xxx seconds until my moving forward causes the lead to tighten and then they must hurry and catch up. They'll then usually move ahead. I call to heel at intersections or when passing people in close areas, etc. Soooo, darn, now you have another type of walk to consider.

[samanthac]

Originally posted by Judi W
Those are not your only two choices. It is rare that we do a snuffle walk, but I also do not ask for actual heeling on pleasure walks. We are usually out for exercise. That means the dogs have the full lead, but we are moving briskly. They can stop for a sniff as long as the lead doesn't tighten. In other words, they have xxx seconds until my moving forward causes the lead to tighten and then they must hurry and catch up. They'll then usually move ahead. I call to heel at intersections or when passing people in close areas, etc. Soooo, darn, now you have another type of walk to consider.

This is exactly how I walk my dogs...whew, glad to know I am doing it 'right'. :D. The pup I give a little more leeway as he is getting to know the neighborhood sounds and smells. So I let him snuffle a little more.

[Judi W]

Awe, don't be silly. However YOU want to walk them is "right"

[samanthac]

Nah, Athena needs the exercise so we go out to specifically exercise. If I do not, she'll blow up like a sausage on legs. But honestly its exercise for me as much as her.

A lot of people say that you should make the dogs walk at your pace instead of theirs and never give them full lead, but frankly I enjoy walking at her pace (brisk trot) because it gives us both a great cardio workout. And now that I am walking two (not at the same time I assure you...I'd be dead :D ) I am getting double the benefits and that last 10-lbs is starting to fall off. Hooray!

[Judi W]

Wait just a minute. Giving full-lead doesn't mean that I am not determining the pace! What I said is they have full lead, but understand that when it tightens, the must catch up and it certainly doesn't mean they pull me forward. The consensus of the dogs is not to do that as it makes their handler VERY cranky which is to be avoided at all costs. For doggy fittness, the young dogs get good distances and speed with our bike rides, as I am not a jogger.