It is hard to believe my learning project has already come to an end! However, Jazz and I are truly just starting. I am so relieved that I can now walk my puppy and actually enjoy it. Both Jazz and I have learnt many things, and I am happy that I am now equipped with these skills because, let’s be honest, I will always have a dog in my life. Let’s take a look back at how we got here:
Post 1: Walking Towards a Goal
In my first post, I was really getting my bearings on what this learning project was going to entail. I checked out this YouTube video and established my commands for Jazz. I mainly discussed the troubles I have faced walking my dogs in the past and why I wanted to learn how to properly train and walk our youngest pup, Jazz, on a leash.
Post 2: These Boots Were Made for Walking…
In this second post, Jazz and I went on our first walk. Jazz got familiar with the leash and harness. We completed a short walk around the block where I set two goals, one pertaining to recall and the other pertaining to pulling. I detailed our walk in this personal YouTube video.
Post 3: Walking is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
In the third post, I focused on the development of what Jazz & I call our “with me” walking. It is our version of a “heel” position but less stern. At this point in my learning journey, I really began to understand the importance of going at your own pace and taking in information and tips with a grain of salt, as not every technique works for every dog. I also got advice from a friend and a few more internet sources to focus on, one, keeping Jazz to my left side and two, positive reinforcement.
Post 4: Becoming an Author with Book Creator
In my fourth update, I explored a new medium, a website called Book Creator. I reviewed Book Creator as a classroom tool while using my walking experience with Jazz to create a children’s book on the app. I had a blast doing this! Jazz did super well this week. I was highly impressed by her recall skills. Whenever she felt slight tension, she stopped and waited for me. I continued using the same resources as week 3, primarily because I focused on creating content for my book.
Post 5: TikTok & Training
In my fifth post, I tried something different. Since Jazz and I had our walking routines down, I wanted to explore tips and tricks TikTok had for us to try. I consulted about 5-6 videos in where Jazz & I tried what the creator was suggesting and gave a review on each if they worked for us or not! I had a ton of fun with this post.
Post 6: Back Tracking
My last post was a more reflective and inquiry-type piece looking at why we walk our dogs in the first place. I found a ton of information I already knew or assumed, but I also found some new benefits to dog-walking I never considered. It was important for me to do this post at the end because I have noticed and felt a positive change in my and Jazz’s energy levels. So, learning about the benefits of walking made me feel even more proud!
Before our learning project:
- Jazz did not understand the function of the leash and harness
- Jazz was easily distracted on walks which over-stimulated her
- Jazz was always around our other dogs and did not get much individual attention
- Jazz’s primary exercise was running around in the backyard
- I was not consistent with walking my dogs
- I did not know how to properly stop my dogs from pulling
- I used harsh commands and the word “no” a lot on walks
- I did not bring along treats
- I switched the hand the leash was in constantly
- I gave into what the dog wanted
- I got mad when Jazz wanted to explore
After our learning project:
- Jazz is now comfortable on a leash and wearing a harness
- Jazz responds to her name quickly and puts her eyes on you
- When Jazz feels tension on the leash, she stops and joins you at your side
- Jazz gets regular individual exercise and attention
- I have established strong commands and use only positive reinforcement
- I carry treats (thank goodness!)
- I understand the importance of consistency
- I give Jazz the space to explore and sniff without pulling her along
- I keep the leash in my right hand
- I always call Jazz to my left side
Here are some of my top takeaways from the project:
- Consistency is key! Pick a routine & stick to it. Dogs are creatures of habit and respond better to routines. You will be more productive in your progress if the pup knows what their expectations are.
- Positive reinforcement over everything. Dogs pick up on your tone of voice; if you’re not happy, they’re not happy.
- Treats are essential to loose-leash training, and no one can convince me otherwise.
- Every pup is different. Control the space in which you let your dog explore and play so they are not always resisting you or the leash.
- You will not get anywhere without patience and practice.
Most helpful dog-walking-related resources:
- The American Kennel Club
- The Animal Humane Society
- Various blogs: Pawshake, Wagwalking, Daily Paws, Dog’s Best Life
- Various TikTok Videos
- Various Youtube Videos
Further, here are some last-word tips & tricks I collected from our Piper’s Prairie Pups community
Question: What is your #1 tip for on-leash dog-walking?
Thank you for following along on Jazz and I’s journey! Thank you, #Edtc300, for giving me this opportunity to try something new and bond with my puppy. Lastly, shout-out to Milkbone; you’re the real MVP 🙂