Leash Walking

[aussielover]

I am trying to get my puppy to walk on the lead.

The position I would like her to be in is on a loose leash, on my left side, slightly ahead of me. The reason for this is that she is a guide dog puppy and this is how they want them to walk.

I am only allowed to use a flat collar and lead.

My problem is that she she seems to walk a bit behind me and criss-crosses and sniffs at things. I don't want to pull on her neck and make her hate the lead, but obviously I need to correct her when she sniffs or tries to cross over from side to side. Is there another way to get her walking well? She is ok when we practice in the house, but when we go outside, the problems start. She is only 8.5 weeks so we just go on the pavement for only about 5-10 meters.

All the advice on leash walking seems to relate to dogs that pull on the lead and that is not my problem (almost the opposite!). she will respond and walk more ahead of me if I call her name in a high pitched voice- I then reward her, but I can't do this forever! I look ridiculous and she would be getting a treat every 5 seconds!

Thanks for any advice

[sas]

If she's a guide dog puppy I'm pretty sure you need to follow their training methods?

[persephone]

I agree- phone the puppy walking supervisor and discuss it with them first