Keeping your dog safe during walks, especially in public spaces, can be a challenge. While most walks are free of incidents, potential dangers—such as approaching cars or other distractions—are always present. To mitigate these risks, expert dog trainer Carolyn Martell has introduced a simple but highly effective cue she uses with her own dog, Olive, to maintain safety and control during outings.
In a recent Instagram post, Martell, the founder of Good Dog Training, highlighted the versatility of the command “close.” “‘Close’ is becoming truly one of my most versatile commands,” Martell shared, explaining that she frequently uses it to guide Olive when they are in environments with potential hazards, such as near moving vehicles. “When I see a car approaching, I use the ‘close’ cue, and Olive comes back to me. We then stay to the side until the car passes.”
This cue helps quickly bring the dog back to the handler, preventing them from wandering into traffic or other risky areas. Once the danger has passed, Martell releases Olive to continue exploring. “It’s a nice way to quickly bring her into me and keep her out of the road, and she loves it,” Martell added.
The “close” command is particularly useful when walking dogs on a long line, as it ensures that the dog remains safe while still allowing them freedom to explore. Martell also emphasized the importance of strong recall training, especially when walking in areas with potential distractions.
For dog owners, training a reliable recall is essential, as it ensures that the dog will return to the handler when called, reducing the risk of accidents. Martell encourages owners to focus on building a strong recall foundation and advises those struggling with leash pulling or chasing behavior to address common walking mistakes to improve their dog’s overall behavior.
Having a simple, reliable command like “close” can be a game-changer in maintaining your dog’s safety during walks, offering peace of mind for pet owners.
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