Walking your dog can sometimes feel like a battle, but one dog trainer claims a simple three-minute daily routine can transform your pet's behavior. Lisa Burton, founder of Listen Dog Training, regularly shares canine tips on TikTok and insists her method requires no yanking, choking, or shouting.
Why dogs pull on the lead
Burton explains that dogs often strain at the end of their lead due to overwhelming excitement about their surroundings or the thrill of the upcoming walk. "They become deaf and dumb to the human tied to them because they are so desperate to forge ahead," she says. The anticipation of putting on shoes, grabbing the lead, and stepping outside sends their arousal levels soaring, making calm walking impossible.
The three-minute solution
Burton advises tackling the problem at the source. Instead of opening the door immediately, ask your dog for a basic behavior they already know, such as a 'sit' or 'down', before you open the door. Once outside, request another simple behavior and spend three to five minutes on short engagement exercises to ensure your dog is fully connected to you before starting the walk.
"The first time you do this, you may have your dog's attention for only 30 seconds," Burton warns. However, she stresses that making this routine non-negotiable will have a long-term, game-changing effect.
Building a calm routine
Dogs are master predictors, so associating calm, focused attention with the start of a walk will make it easier over time. Burton recommends gradually increasing the length of cues and engagement as you set off. "Sometimes I'll keep stopping and ask for a 'sit' and do a little bit of luring until we are halfway down the street," she says. This helps dogs stay engaged even in exciting environments.
Long-term benefits
The longer you stick with the method, the more your dog will offer spontaneous check-ins during walks, expecting interaction. To further improve behavior, teach new commands like 'spin', 'give paw', or 'nose touch'. "The greater variety of cues you both have, the more varied it is for your dog and the more focus they will give you," Burton concludes.
