Dog walking ahead dominance??

Brittany · 10-29-2009, 07:46 PM

If you let your dog walk ahead of you does he think he is dominant? I know Cesar Milan says that. But now I am thinking as long as the dog isn't pulling it should be okay but I'm not sure....what do you think?

**Criosphynx** · 10-29-2009, 07:49 PM

dogs walk faster than us (thus in front) because we are slow pokes....their pace is different. If you were to jog or run, they would be next to you

Ceaser has to use a herding stick to keep his dogs next to him.

I let the dog walk ahead as long as they don't pull personally.

EllensCreatures · 10-30-2009, 09:42 AM

I don't think it necessarily means that the dog is dominant...it depends on the dog and the dog's other behavior. I think that Cesar uses the walking thing as one tool for people to get control of their dogs. I think if you are generally in control of your dog that his walking ahead of you is not a problem.

Brittany · 10-30-2009, 11:20 AM

I am definitely not in complete control of Kimber yet LoL but we are working on it.

Mikey · 10-30-2009, 11:30 AM

I really respect Ceasars' take on things -I think he's amazing. And I also can't do most of what he does.

We taught Mikey 'heel' which is walking beside. We taught when we was tired so there was less fighting. Once he understood he can do it when he's full of energy.

When I'm going for a walk, I put Mikey in a heel and he walks nicely beside me, then when we get to a point I like, I give a release command and he walks up front on a loose leash, and can sniff and pee and goof around.

I think that's my compromise>>>I don't want a robot at my heels, and I don't want a dog who thinks he has to be pack leader, and I don't want my dog dragging me all over.

So we heel for a bit, then release and let him 'do his own thing'.

borzoimom · 10-30-2009, 11:39 AM

of course I am talking about Borzoi, but their natural position is slighly ahead " of the pack of Tsars and horses" so walking slightly ahead is normal. Add their size and they are about a length out.
The difference is not if they are ahead, but the manner in which they are ahead. If they are pulling you ahead- then no.. If walking casually and relaxed, taking direction from you- then no- it is not.