Walking your Dobermann should be a fun, bonding experience—not a battle of wills. If you’re struggling to keep your dog calm and engaged during walks, you’re not alone. Here are some practical tips to help transform your walks from chaotic to calm.
1. Assess the Situation
Sometimes, walks just aren’t the best time for training. If your dog is pulling, sniffing excessively, or acting anxious, it’s important to recognize when the environment or external stimuli are overwhelming for your dog. If your dog is too excited or distracted, there may be no realistic chance of getting through a productive walk. Ask yourself:
- Is your dog too over-aroused and out of control?
- Is he aware of you and capable of engaging with you?
If it feels like your dog is in his own world, it’s okay to call it quits and try again later.
2. Train BEFORE the Walk
You can’t expect a chaotic walk to be the perfect training ground. Preparation is key! Establish the behavioral patterns you want to see on walks while at home, in a calm and controlled environment. The foundation should be set before you step outside.
3. Recognize When to Call It a Day
Sometimes, despite your best training efforts at home, the outside world is just too distracting for your dog. If you can’t get your dog’s attention, and he won’t take high-value treats, it may be time to head home. This is NOT a failure—it’s just a chance to reinforce that calm behavior is the goal. Avoid letting your dog practice over-arousal by pushing through the situation.
4. Use the Environment to Your Advantage
If your dog is too distracted in one area, consider moving to a quieter location. Observe your dog’s behavior and body language. Is he relaxed, or is he hyper-focused on everything around him? If he’s calm, try engaging with treats or games. But if he’s still zoned out and unable to engage, it may be time to go home.
5. Test Engagement with a Treat
Here’s a simple test: approach your dog and place a tasty treat on his nose. If he’s too distracted or over-aroused, he won’t take it. This is a sign that his nervous system is in overdrive, and it’s better to move or go home rather than try to continue training.
On the other hand, if he takes the treat, it’s a sign that he can refocus. Use that moment to re-engage him with a game or training routine to reinforce focus and fun.
6. Don’t Get Discouraged
If your dog doesn’t respond to the treat and remains in his excited state, don’t take it personally. This is simply a sign of his nervous system being overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that this is a learning experience for you—not a failure for your dog. Move on to a less distracting location and try again.
7. Patience is Key
Building your dog’s focus and engagement takes time. It’s important to be patient and observe your dog’s behavior. By gradually increasing the level of distraction in his environment, you can help your dog build the ability to handle more challenges without becoming overstimulated. This will ultimately make walks more enjoyable for both of you.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let frustrating walks set you back. By observing your dog, knowing when to back off, and training in a calm, controlled way, you can gradually increase your dog’s ability to focus and enjoy his walks. Patience and consistency will help you move through different levels of environmental distractions—leading to calmer, more enjoyable outings for you and your Dobermann.
Happy walking!
Dobercademy: Training through kindness, knowledge, and understanding