Out and About Program

Any dog enrolled in this program should have gone through basic manners training first, and have a relatively strong focus, responsiveness to cues, some loose leash walking skills, and has learned some self-control.

This could include from one of these programs:

• Our Puppy or Adult Manners Program
• Our Puppy or Adult Manners classes
• Our Dropoff Training Program
• Private lessons focused on basic manners
• Similar training to one of the these programs, from a reputable, positive reinforcement trainer

Enrollment in this program includes access to TrainTrack, our proprietary online platform that enables you to view videos of the exercises we covered with you, log your progress, view handouts, and upload videos to your trainer. TrainTrack helps maximize your chance of success. Enrollment includes a treat pouch and optional clicker, which help you achieve success.

• This program is for dogs who are comfortable being outside and have learned leash basics. It is not intended to address leash reactivity, fear or sensitivity about the environment, or other emotional challenges. Those would be addressed in another program (see our section about fears and emotions).
• If you have worked with one of our trainers in a different program, we can attempt to pair you with the same trainer, for continuity.
• Six sessions is a starting point, and many dogs can be successful in this amount. It is very normal that some dogs struggle a little and need more time - we can always add sessions if necessary.
• If your previous training has been somewhere besides Tucker Pup's, we may need to conduct an assessment first before proceeding, just to make sure we are creating the right training plan for your dog.
• If you want to add elements from other programs, that may be OK and would likely require additional sessions. Just ask!

• $135 per session
• Plus $10 housecall fee per session if we come to your home or meet you somewhere
• Reimbursement for any parking fee that we incur

Payment options:

• Credit card over the phone or in person
• PayPal Credit, where you can get up to six months interest free
• Split payments over several weeks or months
• Cash or check

Where do the sessions take place?

If you live in our travel radius, we are happy to come to your home. Otherwise, we can work at our training facility.

Do most dogs truly finish the program in 6 sessions?

Yes, most dogs can finish the program in 6 sessions, although this is not a guarantee since there are factors out of our control, not the least of which is that you do your homework each week. But if you need to add more sessions, that is no problem.

What if I want to add or change behaviors?

This is not a problem, within reason. The program can be customized, and we can certainly add sessions and tackle additional behaviors. Having said that, if a behavior is likely too challenging until others are learned, we will discuss that with you. Just talk with us about your goals and we will help achieve them.

What if my dog is not finished with all rounds of vaccinations?

If we are coming to your home, that is not a problem. If you are coming to our training facility, it is not a problem as long as your vet believes your dog is on track and you have completed at least two of the three rounds. Rabies is not required for dogs under 6 months old.

What if my dog is shy or lacks confidence?

This is very common, and could make leash training go more slowly. We are happy to add more sessions, plus add in confidence-building games and exercises.

What if my dog doesn't graduate? Do I still get a certificate?

There is not really a formal 'test', and it is OK if your dog can't perform all of the behaviors by the end of the six sessions. Most importantly, we will have shown you what to do, and you must practice.

As skills improve, time spent out in the world begins to feel calmer, smoother, and more enjoyable.

Dogs learn not only how to walk politely on leash, but how to stay connected to their owner while moving through real-life environments. Pulling may lessen or disappear, attention becomes easier to maintain, and dogs recover more quickly when distractions arise.

Over time, many owners notice that outings feel less like work and more like shared experiences. Sitting at an outdoor cafe, walking through a neighborhood, visiting a store, or simply being out together becomes more relaxed and predictable. Dogs gain the ability to settle, observe, and participate without becoming overstimulated or disconnected.

Progress is about building practical skills and emotional regulation that allow dogs to move through the world with their owner calmly and confidently, making everyday outings feel easier and more enjoyable for both.

Walking politely on leash requires a dog to do several things at once. They must stay aware of their handler, regulate their pace to match yours, manage excitement, and respond to changes in the environment, all while moving forward. It's a lot to process! Unlike stationary behaviors, leash walking happens continuously and leaves little room for reset.

Even dogs with a solid training foundation can struggle when there are new sights, smells, movement, small animals, other dogs, parks nearby, and more. This is why leash walking often feels inconsistent, especially in busy or stimulating areas.

Developing reliable leash skills requires structured training across different environments.

Tucker Pup's only uses positive reinforcement, which combines the use of rewards, an encouraging tone of voice, and relaxed body language.

We do not use aversive methods include prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, poking, yelling, or leash popping. If you are using any of these with your dog, we can help you successfully stop, and still get the results you want.

Positive reinforcement gives you the best chance of success, and can be the fastest way to get results. Aversive methods cause distrust, fear, and potentially pain or discomfort, all of which can be detrimental to getting the results and relationship that you want.

Common questions:

• Do I need to carry treats for the rest of my dog's life? Treats are for teaching behaviors - once your dog can reliably perform, treats can be phased out at your discretion.
• Do I need to carry treats at all times? No. If there are times where you are not carrying treats, our methods can still work.
• Can I use a different type of reward than treats? It may be possible to use something else your dog values, such as a favorite toy.
• Is positive reinforcement too soft for my dog? Not a bit. The best way to build reliable skills is through trust and motivation. Being tough with your dog can cause him to shut down, have anxiety, ignore you, and not truly learn.
• I have tried treats, but they don't work for my dog. You were likely using low-value treats, including from a store. We will recommend high-value treats that are irresistable for most dogs, including in high-distraction environments.
• Will it take longer to achieve results? This is a common myth. Positive reinforcement can create faster results than aversive methods, because your dog is motivated to listen to you, and truly wants to learn.
• Is it bribery? No! All animals learn behaviors from being rewarded, including humans. You wouldn't go to work for free, would you? Motivation + repetition = new behaviors.

If you are hesitant, please trust us on this one and feel free to ask us questions.