walking diagonally

[LarryL]

hey guys,

we use a harness that clips on to the front of Olivers chest  to prevent pulling.

Alot of time when we're walking, he will walk diagonally.

It's very cute, but just to be safe I'm asking if any of this is detrimental?

[Kurt Gustafson]

I think you want to train him to walk in a normal heal position. Perhaps he has too long of rein on his leash. I'd keep him close to you until he adapts to the correct position.

[LarryL]

we use a standard 6ft lead

are you saying i should not let him walk ahead, but only along side?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, he should be walking next to you, not in front of you.

[Kurt Gustafson]

That is the standard obedience position at least until he is confidently trained to return there. It helps with meeting new people and dogs on your walks.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

That's why it's called, heeling :o)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Off topic, I have always walked diagonally.  It's been a joke I run my walking partner off the road.  Truth.

As for your pup, it's just that, a pup. Eventually, your pup will walk normally but I think a lot of dogs go to and fro on a walk. So much to see, so much to do.

You cant always keep them in a heel. Sometimes they get to enjoy a leisure stroll too.   Do teach a heel as it is always needed but relax sometimes too ( Thank you, BG  :)   

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The way that the Easy Walk harness is designed, the leash attachment will slide to the side of the dog's chest closest to the person holding the leash if the dog pulls forward, so that may be what is causing Oliver to walk diagonally, the pull of the leash to his side. he may not be able to walk straight even if he wants to, if he is out in front. Keeping the leash loose and keeping him closer would alleviate it.