Walking Together On Leash

A good leash walk isn’t about control. It’s about connection. When we walk with our dogs, we’re moving together through the world, communicating with subtle cues and shared attention. The leash is just a safety line. The real magic happens in the space between us.

Positive reinforcement training is our foundation here. Start by rewarding your dog for checking in with you. A simple glance in your direction earns a treat, a soft smile, or a kind word. Those little moments of connection are gold. They tell your dog, “I like this. Stay with me.” Over time, that attention becomes a habit, and the walk becomes smoother and more joyful.

Distractions are inevitable, a squirrel dashing by, a dog across the street, a tempting smell. Instead of fighting those moments, prepare for them. Keep distance when you can, and reinforce generously when your dog notices something exciting but stays calm. If it’s too much, that’s okay. Step back, take a breath, and reset. Success builds on success, not struggle.

Remember, leash walking is a skill — for both of you. It’s about building trust with your dog, timing, and patience. Celebrate the small wins, because those are the steps toward something beautiful: two beings moving through the world together in sync, side by side.

How to Prepare For Your Dog Training Session

Michael Baugh CDBC

Dog training on-the-fly can look too much like testing and not enough like teaching. Sure, there are some circumstances where a properly reinforced single-event training moment is acceptable, even preferred (example: randomly calling your dog to you for a click and treat). Most of the time, though, I recommend well-planned brief sessions for training with your dog, seven to ten minutes in duration, one to three times per day.

What Should You do Before Starting a Dog Training Session?

✅ Make sure you have all the props you’ll need nearby. (for example, your dog’s mat, or target stick)

✅ Have treats and your clicker if you are using one. (Carry your treat bag around for an hour before a session so your dog doesn’t automatically flip into “training mode.”)

✅ Create a low-stress, minimally distracting place to train.

✅ Imagine what a successful session will look like. Visualization works.

✅ Take a breath. Relax. I like to do a brief meditation before training. It helps me focus and pay attention.

Begin.

When we set ourselves and our dogs up for success, training is fun. It’s not always easy, but the challenges are easier to solve. Enjoy this moment. Keep in mind how your session connects to your larger dog training goals without getting lost in the future, or getting frustrated because you’re not there yet. Teach in the here and now. The days with your dog are passing, and this is all part of the joy you share with each other.

Michael Baugh teaches dog training in Houston TX. He specializes in aggressive dog training.

You are the Best Person to Train Your Dog

Michael Baugh CDBC

A client once taught me a very tough lesson. She said, “I have a lot of people in my life telling me what I do wrong. I don’t need another one.” She was talking about me. The truth stung. But it helped me change the way I teach people with their dogs.

The truth I discovered is that most people get it right. With some gentle coaching, they train their dogs well. One of the great things about positive reinforcement training is there is room for mistakes. You’ll never shatter your dog emotionally with too many treats or too much praise. Even if you only train your dog “well enough,” it’s still good enough.

Here are some reminders for success.

Praise and treat. Be on the lookout for what your dog is doing right. Reinforce that. Some of us use a marker word or a click sound as a signal to our dog that a treat is on the way. Great. Practice that.

Set your dog up to succeed. Avoid triggers and distractions, especially in the early stages of training.

Keep a positive attitude. Remember, the stories you tell yourself about your dog have a way of coming true. Keep them upbeat. You and your dog are doing great.

Be your dog’s advocate. Don’t let anyone shame you, even your trainer. You are the very best person to train your dog. No one knows them better than you.

Dog training is all about the relationship. It is communication. Celebrate that, even while you are learning. You’re not doing it wrong. In fact, you are getting better every day.

Michael Baugh teaches dog training in Sedona, AZ. He specializes in aggressive dog behavior.