Quote Originally Posted by KnottedYet
I worked a lot with my dog to understand the difference between going out for a dog-walk and going out for a exercise walk.

He has specific commands for running and serious walking and for changing from a serious walk to a sniff-around walk.

It has made a huge difference in both our attitudes! And he knows he gets a sniff-around as a reward for being good during my exercise, so he doesn't fret over it.

I totally agree. My last dog was trained to know the difference between a walk (or run) for exercise and a walk for sniffing/doggie-business. It makes a HUGE difference.

We are in the process of training our new puppies and they are slowly getting it. One of them is so crazy with energy that the only way we can keep her focused on the 'walk/run' is by going really fast. Then she is forced to pay attention to me! It's scary, but it works. I just hold her leash while I bike (not clipped in) around the neighborhood. The other dog is learning by running with us...he just doesn't have the energy/speed to work with a bike.

Either way, obedience training will also help. It's no fun to walk a dog that is out of control...and if its not fun to walk, you both lose out!