The walk for your dog is more than just a fun event in his life. The
walk signifies something very primal in the dogs life. In the wild
dogs walk to survive, each day they set out to find food. The pack
leader (Alpha Dog) leads them on this trek for food. They follow his
lead because they trust in his calm and strong leadership. Each dog in
the pack understands that if they follow their leader and do their job
within the pack a meal will follow. All dogs instinctually feel this
primal need, and you can use this need to show your dog that you can
be the strong leader that he desires.
The way you start your walk is extremely important to the concept of
pack leadership. Never start the walk excitedly saying "Fido you want
to go for a walk", the dogs mind needs to be in a calm and submissive
state before you put the collar and leash on. Once the leash is on,
the dog should never be the first out of the door. Make you dog sit at
the door as you step out, then call your dog outside remembering to
remain calm and assertive. This will immediately tell your dog that
you are in charge of this activity and your dog will happily follow
you....

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