Turn your walk zombie into a walking partner
Most dogs treat walks like a solo adventure — you’re just the thing attached to the other end of the leash. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The key to enjoyable walks isn’t controlling your dog’s every move. It’s teaching them that engaging with you is part of the fun.
“I used to dread walks. My dog would lunge at every squirrel, pull toward every dog, and completely forget I existed. The engagement game from Bubbas changed everything. Now he voluntarily checks in with me every few steps.”
The engagement game: Why it works
The engagement game is simple: you become more interesting than the environment. Not by being louder or more controlling — by being more rewarding.
Every time your dog voluntarily looks at you on a walk, that’s a check-in. Your job is to notice it and reward it. Over time, check-ins become a habit, and your dog walks with you instead of despite you.
- Carry high-value treats on every walk
- Every time your dog looks at you unprompted, mark it (yes!) and reward
- Don’t ask for it at first — just catch and reward the natural glances
- As check-ins increase, start rewarding every second or third one
- Add a verbal cue once the behavior is established: “watch me” or “check in”
Check-in training: Building the habit
Once your dog understands that looking at you pays off, you can build this into a reliable walk behavior.
- Phase 1: Reward every check-in. Make it rain treats for the first week. You want your dog to think looking at you is the best thing they can do on a walk.
- Phase 2: Add duration. Reward your dog for walking beside you for 3 steps, then 5, then 10. Build the length of engaged walking.
- Phase 3: Add distractions. Practice near other dogs (at a distance), past interesting smells, and in busier environments.
- Phase 4: Randomize rewards. Your dog doesn’t know which check-in will pay off, so they keep doing it. This is how habits become permanent.
Real-world practice: Making it stick
The goal isn’t a perfect heel for the entire walk. It’s a dog who regularly checks in with you, responds when you redirect, and can walk past distractions without losing their mind.
- Use real-life rewards too: “you checked in, now you get to go sniff that tree”
- Practice on every walk, not just designated training walks
- Alternate between structured walking and free sniffing time
- If your dog hits a distraction they can’t handle, increase distance next time
- Log your sessions in Bubbas to track which environments are getting easier
Frequently asked questions
How many treats should I use on a walk?+
In the first week, use a lot — you’re building a habit. A typical training walk might use 20–40 small treats. As your dog’s check-in behavior becomes reliable, you’ll gradually reduce to intermittent rewards. Use small, soft treats that don’t slow down the walk.
Should I let my dog sniff on walks?+
Yes! Sniffing is mentally enriching and important for your dog’s wellbeing. The goal isn’t to eliminate sniffing — it’s to have a dog who can disengage from sniffing when you ask. Alternate between structured walking and free sniff time.
My dog is reactive to other dogs. Will this help?+
Building check-in behavior is actually one of the first steps in reactivity training. When your dog habitually looks at you instead of staring at triggers, it’s easier to redirect them. Bubbas’ plan addresses this progression.
Walk together, not just in the same direction
Bubbas’ walk training plan builds engagement, focus, and loose-leash skills day by day.
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