No Bad Dogs Podcast E338-The One Thing You Should NEVER Let Your Dog Do (Everyone Does This)
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Jan 27, 2026 A trainer warns against letting dogs call the shots on walks and explains how that habit can undermine control. He digs into why regular check-ins and engagement matter for long-term behavior. Training basics for puppies and practical commands for structured freedom get covered. The balance between rewards, recalls, and giving safe freedom is emphasized.
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Don't Let Your Dog Control The Walk
- Avoid letting your dog make every decision on the walk because it trains them to ignore you.
- Build structure so your dog will listen when you ask for important behaviors like recalls or disengagements.
Freedom Needs Boundaries
- Letting a dog 'be a dog' is fine in moderation but disastrous if it occupies the entire walk.
- Without moments of engagement your dog stops checking in and your relationship weakens.
Training A 150-Pound Mastiff Early
- Tom describes training Burley, his 150-pound mastiff, with structure from day one to prevent future problems.
- He emphasizes boundaries early because the dog would become powerful but mentally unchanged.