For energetic dogs it can be difficult maintaining control because they’re always moving so quickly. If you can train your dog to slow down on command, it means you can practice speeding up on command
During recalls you want to praise your dog enthusiastically for each step they take towards you. If they ignore you, walk away from them, calling them energetically as you go.
Your dog will quickly learn that the only way to get you walking again is if they sit down. Once you can string together a few consecutive steps, you’ll have a dog that walks calmly on leash.
Ian offers some some tips on motivating your dog into heeling properly. Using lots of energy and frequent position changes, even distracted and lazy dogs can be convinced that heeling is a good time.
True off–leash control means that your dog will listen to you even when they’re in the middle of another fun activity. Until you have this control, be very careful of where you let them fun free.
This little owner has excellent control of their dog, and she did it by making training fun. It keep the dog interested and engaged and it means that they only punishment she ever uses is to end the training session.
A reliable sit-command that works anywhere and anytime, at a distance and with distractions, is the most valuable tool in training. But training is very context dependent, so it takes a lot of practice.