There are dozens of prescribed methods to encourage your dog to walk nicely on a leash. I’m all about simple solutions, and here I will describe a method you can use for a young pup on his first walk, or a four-year-old adult who’s been a dedicated puller all his life.

While we’re thinking about the words we’re using, dogs are watching us for the same visual signals they use to communicate with each other. Wolves have been observed to use 45 different movements as they interact socially. So if you want your dog to respond to your spoken commands, focus on how you use your voice to motivate your dog.

“An ounce of prevention is worth many, many pounds of cure.” Housetraining is a both a management and training issue. You manage her behavior so that she doesn’t have the opportunity to do the wrong thing (go in the house), and give her lots of opportunities to do the right thing (go to the bathroom outdoors).

“Focus on what you want your dog to do, not what you do not want your dog to do.” This is one of the most important concepts in positive learning, no matter what species you’re dealing with. To change any unwanted behavior, all you really need to do is prevent your dog from being rewarded for behaviors you don’t want him to do, and consistently and generously reward him for behaviors you do want him to do.

There are four fundamental principles that should guide you as you develop a new relationship with your dog. Keeping these things in mind as you begin building a relationship with your dog is key to your success.