How to Walk Your Dog: Doggy Dan Golden Rule #5

Last Updated: December 2024

Last updated: December 2025

The best way to know how to walk a dog is to understand this crucial principle:

In every walk, there’s a follower, and a leader.

And most of the time, the leader is NOT you.

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“What do you mean, Dan? Are you saying that even if I hold the leash, I’m still not in control?”

That’s right!

Which explains why dogs tend to pull ahead of you on the leash, or become so uncontrollable during the walk — stopping to sniff wherever they want, lunging at other dogs — they think they’re the CEO of the walk, and you have to follow them.

But here’s the thing: it’s SO HARD to know when you start to lose control and when your dog begins to take over.

This shift in leadership can be very subtle, but really impactful. And the problem is so common, I see thousands of dog owners struggling with it everyday.

For this reason, I created Doggy Dan Golden Rule #5 which aims to help dog owners tell their dogs “Hey, I know we’re not at home anymore but I’m still the leader here.” And when dog owners take charge of every walk, they enjoy a calmer, happier outing with their dogs.

Read on to learn more.

Key Takeaways:

Walking your dog gives you an opportunity to show to your dog that you’re in charge… even outdoors!
If you want a calmer, less aggressive dog the most important thing to do is to show your dog that you’re in charge of the walk.
For Doggy Dan Rule #5 — How to walk your dog — to work, you need to put the first four rules in place.

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A Recap of The First Four Golden Rules
Rule #5: How to Walk Your Dog To Help Them See You’re In Charge
How to Walk Your Dog: What Goes Wrong Before A Walk
Dog Psychology: How to Walk Your Dog the Better Way with Doggy Dan Golden Rule #5
Structured Walk Vs. Social Walk
4 Helpful Tips on How to Walk Your Dog From a Top Dog Trainer
Learn How to Walk Your Dog the Right Way with Doggy Dan Rule #5!

A Recap of The First Four Golden Rules

I always remind dog owners who want to know how to walk dogs better that Golden Rule #5 works so much more when the first four rules have been put in place.

If you haven’t checked them out yet, here’s a quick recap.

Rule #1: Controlling the Food

Your dog has to know that you have the ABSOLUTE control over food. You can find more about Rule #1 here.

Rule #2: Delaying Acknowledgement After Separation

If your dog jumps on you after separation, is that an expression of love or a challenge to your leadership? Rule #2 is about establishing your role as the pack leader through delaying acknowledgement after separation.

Learn about Rule #2 here.

Rule #3: Your Terms

To become the reliable, trustworthy pack leader in your dog’s eyes, you and your dog MUST DO EVERYTHING in your terms.

Check out Rule #3 here.

Rule #4: Dealing with Danger

Stop barking and aggression by showing your dog when it comes to danger, YOU’RE THE ONE IN CHARGE AND YOU’RE THE DECISION MAKER. Not them.

Learn about the power of Rule #4 here.

Rule #5: How to Walk Your Dog To Help Them See You’re In Charge

Just like with the first four rules, the fifth rule in the Doggy Dan Five Golden Rules zeroes in on making sure YOU establish yourself as the leader by taking control of the walk.

While the first four rules help you become the pack leader inside the house, the fifth rule communicates to dogs that you’re still the pack leader even if you are outside the property.

It’s you who is in charge, so it’s you they should listen to, depend on to, and obey.

Think about this: Ultimately, we want a calm dog who follows our directions, and does not come with a high-strung, protective energy during the entirety of our time outdoors.

And for that to happen, our dogs should know that they are not in charge. They also don’t call the shots before and during the walk.

(Watch the full video about Rule #5 below)

The Doggy Dan Golden Rule #5 consists of three pillars that can help you take control of your walk..

Pillar #1: You Control the Walk, You Control the Energy

Your dog has different energy levels. The higher the energy level, the more your dog will exhibit behavior that includes high-strung energy, aggressive lunging and pulling, and ignoring commands.

Ideally, you would aim for an energy level of one or two (three max!) when going for a walk. And the way to retain this calm energy is to show that you’re in charge of when, where, and how you want your walk to happen.

A spike in your dog’s energy usually happens when dogs feel like you have given control away to them.

This includes submissively giving in to your dog's request to be walked and letting them decide when to go, rewarding your dog's hyperactive enery, and encouraging them to dictate where to go on the walk.

BUT When your dog sees that you are the ultimate decision maker, your dog will remain calm all throughout, and will be receptive to your instructions.

Pillar #2: You Set the Rules on What’s Acceptable or Not

You must understand that your dog has to see you’re firm in things that are acceptable or not.

This means clearly communicating IT’S YOUR WALK to your pet, through postponing the walk until they calm down, or stopping the walk mid-way if they start showing rowdy or uncontrollable behavior.

Your dog needs to know that if they want walkies, they have to follow the rules that you have set. Otherwise, the walk may not happen!

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Pillar #3: You Are the Decision Maker, Your Dog Has to Know That

When it comes to which route to take, your dog has to know it’s going to be your call.

When to walk? Absolutely on you.

The pace? The directions? The frequency? All of these are your call, and your dog should clearly know this.

And when your dog knows they have NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT on the walk — that you decide what’s dangerous, not them — they can chill out and follow you.

How to Walk Your Dog: What Goes Wrong Before A Walk

Even before you take the first step of a walk, the question of “Who leads?” has already been answered.

What you do BEFORE THE ACTUAL WALK is a great predictor of how your walks will go.

From experience, most dog owners get confused by this!

“I’m not the one with a leash on, my dog is. What do you mean I’m not in control?’

Let me answer that with three questions:

Who dictates where to go?
Who sets the energy?
Who calls the shots on how the walk will happen?

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If you answered “My dog” to one or all of these questions, you’re not the one in control of the walk.

Some people may say:

My dog is just unsocialized!
Our walks are full of distractions, my dog can’t stay calm.
Morning walks make my dog more excited!

But here’s the bottomline: when your dog thinks they’re in charge, the walk comes with an overly high energy, an uncontrollable, leash pulling dog, and often, non-stop barking.

So what actually causes you to lose control of the walk BEFORE IT EVEN STARTS?

If You Do These Things Before You Walk Your Dog, You Have Already Lost Control

#1: Letting the Dog Dictate When You’re Going for a Walk

Barking, nudging, and even getting your attention by scratching the door are some of your dog’s ways of telling you “Hey, it’s time for my walk.”

It communicates “I want to go for a walk and I want it now. I am making the call here and if you say yes, I will be in control, not you.”

If you respond to their demands with “Sure, buddy” it’s telling your dog “Sure, it’s your call! You can do whatever you want with your walk.”

#2: Rewarding Hyperactive Behavior

Dogs get energy spikes when they feel like you are rewarding their frenzied behavior. Remember, rewards make dogs think they should carry on with what they are doing.

Here’s an example…

Let’s say your dog peeked through the window and saw their best buddy across the road…

They start running to you with a noticeable increase in energy.

You stand up to get the leash. Dog gets more energy spike because you rewarded their behavior.

It’s taking you a while to get the leash, and by this time, your dog starts to think “they responded when I showed excitement. Let me do it again!”

And so your already-excited dog turns the energy up a notch.

Guess what happens if you also hurried to the door? You’re going to walk out the house with a dog who’s overexcited, thinks they’re in control, and who thinks listening to your commands is not all that necessary!

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#3: Not Having the First Four Golden Rules in Place

This is very important: unless you have not established following Rules #1 to #4, it will be a LOT more challenging to show you’re in charge.

In your dog’s mind, they will be thinking “I’m pretty much in charge with my food, and my demands for attention are always granted. SO WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO MY OWNER DURING MY WALK?”

However, once your dog starts to see that you’re in charge around the house, it will be easier for your dogs to follow your cues and respect your leadership during your walks.

Dog Psychology: How to Walk Your Dog the Better Way with Doggy Dan Golden Rule #5

#1: Not Responding To Your Dog’s Cues Shows That YOU Are in Control

If your dog is agitated because they’re pushing you to hurry out, don’t respond. Don’t reward. Don’t move forward.

Your dog should know they don’t make the decisions for your walk. They can bark, nudge, run up and down, and even scratch on the door, but you’re not going to yield ever.

What you can do is wait for five to ten minutes or until your dog calms down before you go or resume the walk.

#2: Communicate to Your Dog that Frenzied Energy Does Not Merit Reward or Progress

Dogs are really simple!

If your dog feels rewarded even after a hyperactive jumping spree, they will continue doing it.

However, if you want a more chill dog, you have to reward calm behavior (AKA: letting dogs know that unless they’re more relaxed and calmer, no walk will happen!)

If you want your dog to be calm and not aggressive while you’re outdoors, you have to be absolutely clear that those behavioral issues are unacceptable.

Your dog will eventually see which behavior to master if they want time outdoors.

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#3: Stopping Mid-Walk Is a Great Way to Regulate Energy Levels During the Walk

Let’s say your dog showed calmer energy when you started your walk then suddenly starts acting restless?

What I recommend is to address this change of energy in a calm way. I’ve seen dog owners become stressed and shouty. This will aggravate the dog even more.

Stopping the walk is one of the best ways to let a dog know “We’re not going forward unless you calm down.”

If your dog eventually relaxes, you can continue the walk.

#4: You Make Your Dog Know You’re In Charge When You Show Them Any Decision You Make MUST be Followed

There’s a trick I follow that does not make sense in the eyes of people, but is powerful when viewed in the lens of dog psychology.

It’s this: taking a few steps forward, then doing a complete 180 and heading home.

“What? Why would I do that, Doggy Dan?”

It will let your dog know that YES — you are the ultimate decision maker. And any decision you make is final and will be followed.

#5: Winning The Walk Starts Before You Leave the House and Within the First Five Yards

Before you step out the door, be clear with that it’s you who leads the walk.

You can be clear about this by making sure that from the beginning, you don’t let your dog make ANY DECISION. Every aspect of your walk will be decided by you.

Structured Walk Vs. Social Walk

The Structured Walk

The structured walk is where you establish your authority with your dog.

In this walk, you are more particular with where your walks are going, and whether or not your dog is following your commands.

The Social Walk

On the other hand, the social walk is about allowing your dog to have fun and interact. During the social part, dogs can freely do what they like, enjoying their freedom.

How to Interchange Both Without Losing Charge

It's crucial for you to decide when to switch between structured and social phases. You have the control over this transition. For instance, you might have your dog on a structured walk for a short period.

After that, you can give them the command to be free. They might still be on a long leash, but you grant them the freedom to explore and engage with their surroundings. Then, you can bring them back to a structured walk by using commands like “walk” or “heel.”

It's essential to avoid mixing up the two styles, where the walk seems social but lacks the structured moments.

To achieve the balance, there must be segments in the walk, preferably at the beginning and the end, where you assert your authority and the dog recognizes your leadership.

4 Helpful Tips on How to Walk Your Dog From a Top Dog Trainer

Tip #1: You Can Use Treats and Rewards to Make Your Dog Walk Next To You

Now it’s very important that your dog walks next to you because it’s hard to lead from behind.

There are plenty of ways to get your dog to walk right by your side. One you can try is using treats or rewards to reinforce correct behavior.

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Tip #2: The 360-turn.

Here's another neat trick: imagine your dog is on your left side.

Instead of going right, just go left and spin around. First, go left in front of your dog, then do it again, and even turn your dog a bit. This makes your dog slow down. If your dog's on your right, do the same thing but turn right. Don't make it easy for your dog all the time. Spin around in front of them. Show them that you are in control of where you’re going.

Tip #3: Use the Correct Harness

I prefer an easy walk harness, also known as a front clip harness like the Doggy Dan No Pull Harness. It's the best option.

When selecting your walking device, consider the choice carefully. Some use prong collars or devices that dogs dislike on their face.

If your dog hates a muzzle strap-type device, it's better to avoid it. I've discovered a much more effective device that dogs adore, you can check out the product here.

Tip #4: Go for Simple Commands That Your Dog Already Understands

You can give your thigh a friendly pat and say something like “walk” or “heel.”

Just be sure your dog really gets what “heel” or “walk” means. You could practice this at home first.

This allows them to see you’re making the shots, and helps them follow walking cues from you easily.

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Learn How to Walk Your Dog the Right Way with Doggy Dan Rule #5!

If you view it through the lens of dog psychology, a walk is not just a walk!

A walk is actually a great opportunity for you to show your dog that you’re still in charge even outside the home.

If you walk your dog the right way, you can have a dog who walks calmly wherever you go, who doesn’t bark at random strangers and other dogs at the park, and one who follows your commands wherever you go.

Isn’t that every dog owner’s dream?

With the Doggy Dan Golden Rule #5, it can be your reality.

Now, really owning the walk requires that you do it right, every time. Which also means you do things correctly every step of the way.

I know there are plenty of questions around mastering Doggy Dan Golden Rule #5. I encourage you to learn its full details through the Dog Calming Code!

In my course, you’ll learn answers to questions like:

How do I make sure I train my dog correctly for the walk while we’re still at home?
Do I have to follow a structured walk all throughout the walk? When do I switch?
Should I not take my dog for a walk on the lead until he is walking properly beside me?
What does SSCD mean?
How do I know if the dog is challenging my leadership?
How do I get my dog to heel?
Can I call their name when the walk is unstructured?
Do I use timeout if my dog keeps barking before we start walking?

And many more.

If you want to know how to win the walk with your dog, please check out the Dog Calming Code now.

To happier, healthier walks!

~ Doggy Dan

Doggy Dan

Doggy Dan stands out through his “five golden rules” that focus on canine psychology rather than repetitive drills or force. Unlike traditional trainers, he teaches owners to become the “calm leader” their dogs need. Over the last two decades, his methods have helped transform over 137,555 dogs worldwide. As the founder of TheOnlineDogTrainer.com blog and podcast and creator of the Dog Calming Code™, he has become a trusted voice in dog psychology and training. His philosophy is simple: reactive dogs don’t need punishment or endless treats. They need a leader they can trust.

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      So far, so good!  We started the Calming Dog a few weeks ago and while we humans have not been perfect at it, we are seeing differences in our dog.  He is an incredibly reactive and protective dog, so the changes we have had to date are a huge blessing. I'm impressed at the approach, the actual simplicity of it combined with the science of dog behavior.  Thank you, Doggy Dan and team!
     
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 2 October 2026
 
 
 
 
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Ridley is my 4th dog.  After listening to and learning from Doggy Dan, I was happy to see that I did pretty well with my first 3 dogs while raising my kids and having my husband with me.  Not perfect - but pretty good!   Now I am raising a new dog by myself, and I feel like I'm not doing this really "alone."  I really am so happy with all the information Dan has offered... and all his techniques work well!!
     
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 21 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    Two months ago I adopted a 7 year old Morkie, a very nervous but loving little fellow. I tried several different training techniques and even purchased a program that was lengthy and very time consuming before I discovered Doggy Dan. I've been using his program for two weeks and am astounded by the change in my Dexter. He is calmer, more obedient and friendlier to others than I imagined possible. Dan's training is concise. It differs from others I found, Dan trains you to become the leader of your pack through a dog's perspective. I like that the training is specific yet compassionate. This is a program that works if you are consistent. Thanks Doggy Dan!
     
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 17 September 2026
 
 
 
 
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Susie in the UK.  I am only 10 days in but took in a 9 yr old emergency rescue from Romania who had been in kennels for 6 years and then had 3 failed foster placements in the UK.  Luca is a  big powerful mixed breed with huge stress and anxiety and very reactive, he bounded into my home and took over - aggressive with my 2 others, and visitors and pulling and pushing on walks.  I thought I couldn't handle him but saw an advert for Doggy Dan on line and signed up - we've  had a wonderful turnaround and he is finally decompressing, being polite with my dogs and responds excellently to the time-out if reactive with guests.  Walks are much better and all 5 rules are in place.  I believe he will continue to improve but only if I remain 100% consistent with him for the rest of his life.  He is 9 years old and deserves a happy old age being loved and looked after with no further upsets in his life so fingers and toes are crossed for him
     
   SoBS Truro 
 15 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    +2
I started. The course 3/4 weeks ago. As Dan says you have to work on things if you get stuck. I have a Staffordshire x cane corso who is now six months old. She is very intelligent but sometimes she just doesn’t listen. Doing the five codes I’m finding it’s going pretty well except trying to get her calm so I am persevering with it again with my own space. I have a trainer call shortly which I will ask for advice on this. It’s great also that you can ask anything you’re not sure of on line. It’s so great to have someone there to help. I’m looking forward to having a relaxed girl instead of hyper most of the time as she gets so excited about almost everything. I would truly recommend doggy Dan and just wished I would have come across him much earlier. Thanks again for everything so far.
     
   Hazel Coad 
 12 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    I ❤️ my dog. Such a good girl! 5 Golden rules, really work.
     
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 9 September 2026
 
 
 
 
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This program is amazing!. We have a VERY reactive rescue dog that has bitten his previous owner and as well, myself 3x and my husband 4 x's. He had never been around people or other animals, and had never been walked on a leash. (in fact never run off-leash either, just tied to the front steps). We began with traditional treat-based training with a professional, but the progress was frustrating. A reactive dog does not want treats; it wants comfort. With the 5 Golden Rules and and some of the other training we have received with our subscription, in just 3 weeks, we can let him off leash at the dog park, he has not growled at any stranger, and he has not attacked any other animals. He is still a work in progress, but we see progress!!!! He has become a cuddly, sweet dog and for a greyhound, he even has recall! This program is amazing to say the least. We were at our wits end, but now we have hope.
     
   susan kent 
 8 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    Okay, he says it’s not magic, but the results and the peace in so little time with so little effort sure feels like magic!
My 11 month old pup was a 60lb highly reactive, very loud disaster waiting to happen. Now we are both calm, the house is quiet and I don’t live in absolute fear of his reactivity towards others. There’s always still work/training to do of course, but wow are we in a much better place to get on with that!
     
   Theresia Travers 
 8 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    Just started with the 5 rules. It's only been a week and a half and I'm noticing less stress, and a reduction in reactivity. We still have a way to go. But finally something I can work with.
I went for the online course.
     
   Fiona Bower 
 31 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    I watched the free Webinar and joined at the end. I am up to No.3 atm and I’m actually feeling hopeful 🤞🏼
     
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 18 August 2026
 
 
 
 
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My Lab mix puppy and I are on Day 3 , but, I do feel a stronger connection. She appears calmer overall / looking forward to consistently following these five rules. Doggy Dan is clear, concise, comprehensive and compassionate . Very pleased with his program.  Diane
     
   Diane Patterson 
 16 August 2026
 
 
 
 
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We have an 8 month old Goldendoodle who has fear issues outside the home and gets easily overwhelmed going into panic/flee mode if several triggers coincide (people, loud dog barking and noises like motorcycles/construction). So pleased to find Doggy Dan and seeing positive changes after just two weeks. Feeding time is calm after using the gesture eating and "thank you" when he barks works a treat. I realized I'm babying my dog too much and trying to be his best pal instead of a leader so I'm working hard on that. We've changed to the no pull harness and love that. Doggy Dans video clips really help bring the philosophy together and I love his attitude. He is calm, clear, firm but so kind and loving with dogs and very down to earth and relatable. I've got great help too from the AI coach and the daily emails and videos help keep us on track and feeling positive. We've still got a mountain to climb with our pup but I finally feel hopeful and supported. We'd tried trainers, behavior specialists and all sorts before finding Doggy Dan and this is by far our best investment. Can't recommend you trying this highly enough. Photo of our boy.
     
   Jackie Ward 
 13 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    Absolutely amazing transformation in just a few days. Just need to stick to the 5 Golden rules 🙂
     
   Martine Adkin 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 
 
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I couldn’t believe my dog’s problem resolved completely within a week! Easy but not easy if you are inconsistent with the 5 rules. I highly recommend this method! Somethings don’t seem important or relevant but they are!
     
   Dawn McCordic 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 
 
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I just started my training about 2 weeks ago, and I do mean MY training. My 2 girls are really responding to my changes in how I am relating to them better. Thank you Doggy Dan, I really needed this win, 2 reactive dogs and we have made progress with the 5 golden rules and we have not with anything else. Crystal Gayle the Red Heeler and Sadie the Border Collie.
     
   Betty Nicholl 
 11 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    +3
For three years, I tried every treat-based method and expensive course to stop my large, powerful male dog from pulling on the leash, barking, and stressing out when his energy got too high on our walks.
(So while he is a farm dog who enjoys total freedom off-leash on our farm most of the day, on-leash in the city, he totally lost it).

He was practically hanging from the leash, two feet in the air (almost strangling himself), always demanding to walk in front and make all the decisions.

Absolutely nothing worked—until I found Doggy Dan! 🏆

After just a couple of weeks implementing The 5 Golden Rules, the transformation is absolutely mind-blowing!!!

By focusing on connection and calm leadership rather than rigid commands, my dog has FINALLY reconnected with his natural calmness (that has actually always been there inside him) ❤️❤️

When we walk through town now, I look down at my dog walking in a perfect "heel." The leash hangs completely loose, and that loose leash really says it all 👍👍👍

He does not pull, bark, or growl AT ALL when other dogs bark at him!😱 Yes, he looks at them and is interested, but he remains completely calm.

We pass shouting people, groups of kids on scooters, and dogs barking aggressively behind gates—he is interested, but he remains entirely unfazed.

Just yesterday, we stopped in front of a fence with chickens walking in a garden, and he just stood there watching curiously, staying completely still. And as we walked across a large, grassy schoolyard, we suddenly crossed paths with two rabbits—when I told him to, he immediately sat down.
Of course, he was highly interested, but he sat completely, utterly still!

I constantly find myself thinking: This can NOT be my dog, LOL! 🐇🐓

Dan refers to himself as a dog trainer, but in my humble opinion he is a dog philosopher.

The course is incredibly generous, filled with hundreds of real-life videos from every situation imaginable, offering a massive toolkit for an amazing price.

I am so excited to continue this course, so happy about the progress, and so looking forward to the future with this beloved dog of mine.

I HIGHLY recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
     
   Ingrid-Tove Astrup 
 8 July 2026
 
 
 
 
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I've only been working the program for a week and already are seeing some great improvements with an overexcitable, energetic, barking at everything, and fun Maltipoo. I'm focusing on the 5 golden rules and watching the training videos.  Thanks Doggy Dan!
     
   Rebecca Cheney 
 4 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    In a matter of days my 5 year old Frenchie is calmer and seems happier, albeit not happy that I'm ignoring him but it works! I live alone so he thinks he should be boss and protect me from every visitor but he didn't even bark at the window cleaner yesterday, just followed him around each window. My life might be my own soon, thank you!
     
   Shauna 
 2 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    +4
The Golden rules i now understand are NOT called GOLDEN RULES FOR NO REASON!  WOW , JUST WOW, I WAS DOING ALL 5 WRONG !
     
   Tim Waldner 
 2 July 2026