Imagine handing your father-in-law the leash to a massive 150-pound mastiff who’s built like a tank and guards his turf with fierce suspicion. That’s exactly what happened when I challenged Fred to walk my protective dog, Burleigh, through five tough tests. These weren’t simple strolls; they pushed Fred’s skills and Burleigh’s obedience to the limit—with one surprise encounter that could have turned chaotic.
Burleigh isn’t your average pup. At 150 pounds, he’s a gentle giant most days, but his protective streak makes him cautious of strangers and other dogs. Fred, who’s no dog whisperer, stepped up anyway—wearing sandals, no less. His reactions added some laughs, but the real test was whether he could manage real-world walking challenges with a powerful breed. Each test focused on essential commands, distractions, and situations every large dog owner faces.
👉 Watch this video to see the full challenge unfold.
These tests weren’t just for laughs—they demonstrated how to control a massive dog while building trust, confidence, and obedience. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle a large, strong, protective breed, here’s what we learned.
Challenge 1: Mastering the “Heel” Command Under Pressure
Why “Heel” Matters
The heel command keeps your dog right by your side, no pulling or wandering. With giant dogs like Burleigh, this isn’t optional—it’s critical. Without control, a 150-pound puller could drag you across the street in seconds.
A proper heel requires:
- Clear voice commands
- Confident posture (shoulders back, standing tall, arm relaxed)
- Consistent leash control
Dogs respond to energy and body language. If you’re slouching or unsure, they’ll take charge.
Before heading out, try these 5 Essential Pre-Walk Exercises for a Better Dog Walking Experience to build calm energy and focus—especially helpful for large, strong breeds like Burleigh.
Fred’s First Attempt
Fred grabbed the leash and headed for the mailbox about 50 feet away. At first, he crowded Burleigh, stepping too close. Burleigh sensed the confusion and tugged ahead, slobber flying everywhere.
“Give him space,” I reminded him. Fred adjusted, but he forgot a quick leash correction, letting Burleigh drift off course. His sandals didn’t help—slipping slightly as Burleigh leaned forward. Small mistakes can quickly become big challenges when handling such a large dog.
Finally, Fred straightened up, gave a sharp “Burleigh, heel,” and regained control. The dog settled—not perfect, but much better. This showed how posture and confidence matter more than force.
The “Break” Command and Pace Control
After a heel, the break command releases the dog. It’s freedom with boundaries—Burleigh can explore, but not pull or run. Pace control is just as important; walking too fast makes big dogs surge forward.
Fred bolted at first, moving too quickly. Burleigh lunged, drool splattering Fred’s legs. “Slow down,” I urged. He eased back, using light leash pressure to guide Burley into a steady trot.
The funniest part? Burleigh shook off mid-stride, soaking Fred from head to toe. Everyone laughed, but it proved the point—controlled pace prevents chaos.
Pro tip from Upstate Canine Academy: Start with slow, short walks. Use treats to reward calm pacing. Over time, your dog learns to match your rhythm naturally.
Challenge 2: The “Focus” Command Amidst Distractions
The Science of Focus Training
The focus command redirects your dog’s attention back to you. For large breeds, it’s a lifesaver—especially when distractions like other dogs, kids, or loud noises appear. Without focus, a protective dog may lock onto triggers and escalate.
Trainers recommend:
- Begin in calm environments
- Introduce distractions gradually
- Mark and reward quick eye contact
This builds engagement and strengthens the bond between dog and handler.
Setting the Stage
To test Fred, I held a treat near his face to lure Burleigh’s eyes. Then I jumped, waved my arms, and made silly noises—classic distractions that usually trigger Burleigh’s alertness.
As expected, Burleigh locked in on me, ignoring Fred at first. His ears perked, body tense, ready to react.
Fred’s Attempt
Fred stayed calm, treat in hand, repeating “focus” steadily. Burleigh broke his attention a few times, lunging toward the distraction. But eventually, he met Fred’s eyes, holding the gaze briefly.
Not perfect—but a solid win under pressure. The key was Fred’s composure. Dogs mirror our energy; panic fuels reactivity, while calm invites calm.
Training tip: Practice focus at parks, near playgrounds, or during busy walks. Reward even short moments of eye contact. Over time, distractions lose their power.
Want to improve your training sessions even more? Check out 5 Daily Dog Training Commands to Build a Stronger Bond—these basics lay the foundation for better walks and trust.
Challenge 3: Executing the “Down Stay” Command
Why Down and Stay Matter
The down-stay command teaches control and patience. Unlike “sit,” down signals full calm. For large dogs, it prevents lunging, jumping, or pulling when something unexpected happens.
Fred and Burleigh’s Attempt
Fred gave one firm “down,” and Burleigh dropped instantly—no repeats needed. Impressive! Then came “stay.” Fred stepped back, leash loose but watchful.
Burleigh shifted slightly, almost crawling forward. Was it a true stay? That’s up for debate—but he didn’t break completely. Fred held steady for about a minute before releasing with “break” (after a reminder).
This exercise showed that consistency matters more than perfection. Dogs learn patience gradually.
Pro tip from Upstate Canine Academy: Start with 5-second stays, then work up to minutes. Add distractions—like clapping or tossing a toy—to simulate real-world challenges.
Challenge 4: The “Leave It” Test with High-Value Temptations
Why “Leave It” Is Crucial
Dogs explore the world with their mouths. The leave it command can prevent dangerous situations—whether it’s toxic food, sharp objects, or chasing wildlife. For giant dogs, one bad grab could be disastrous.
Training starts with denial, followed by reward. Show the temptation, command “leave it,” then praise when ignored.
The Temptation Zone
To push Burleigh, I dropped beef liver and a bouncy ball on the grass—two of his favourite temptations. The challenge: walk past without breaking a heel.
Fred’s Attempt
“Heel, leave it,” Fred commanded. Burleigh sniffed the air, eyes locked on the liver. But surprisingly, he resisted—no lunging, no grabbing.
Once they cleared the test, I rewarded him with the liver. Controlled denial builds stronger impulse control.
For practice: Rotate temptations (food, toys, scraps) in different environments. It teaches your dog to generalize the command everywhere.
Challenge 5: The Ultimate Test – Walking Past a Known Antagonist
Reactivity vs. Aggression
Burleigh isn’t aggressive, but he can be reactive—staring down other dogs, hackles raised. Reactivity is intense alertness, while aggression means intent to harm. Knowing the difference helps handlers respond calmly.
Key signs:
- Reactivity: stiff body, locked eyes, raised hackles, growling, barking
- Aggression: typically dogs are more silent, but will lung with intent
The Husky Encounter
Enter Kolby, a neighbor’s husky with a tense history with Burleigh. As they approached, Burleigh stiffened, pulling slightly, eyes locked on Kolby.
Fred spotted it and called, “focus, leave it.” Not bad—but Burleigh’s body language showed building tension.
If your dog struggles with reactivity or overstimulation, read our guide on Managing Reactivity During Walks: Tips for Calm Dog Walks to learn how to keep tension low and confidence high.
De-escalating the Moment
I stepped in quickly. “Burleigh, sit,” I commanded, breaking his fixation. A firm recall—“come”—pulled him closer. Within minutes, his body relaxed, lips loose, tension fading.
Fred resumed walking Burleigh, this time keeping him calm as they passed Kolby without barking. It was a big win.
Pro tip: When facing reactivity, stay calm. Use sits, downs, or focus commands to redirect and create engagement. Give space and time—forcing closeness only escalates stress. For ongoing reactivity, professional trainers (like Upstate Canine Academy) can make a huge difference.
Conclusion: Lessons from Fred’s Challenge
Fred faced five big challenges with Burleigh, a 150-pound mastiff:
- Heel under pressure
- Focus amidst distractions
- Down stay for calm control
- Leave it around temptations
- Reactivity control during tough encounters
He wasn’t perfect—few first-timers are—but his calm energy and persistence helped him succeed. From sandals slipping to surprise husky showdowns, each moment proved how vital proper training is when handling giant breeds.
Key Takeaways for Big Dog Owners:
- Master heel for safe walks.
- Use focus to redirect distractions and encourage engagement.
- Build patience with downtime.
- Train leave it for safety.
- Learn to manage reactivity vs. aggression calmly.
Fred may not be ready for solo walks yet, but he showed potential. With consistent practice and guidance, anyone—even a sandal-wearing father-in-law—can handle a giant dog safely.
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Upstate Canine Academy helps owners train dogs of all sizes, from playful puppies to protective giants. Whether it’s obedience, reactivity, or leash manners, we’ve got proven methods to make your walks safe and stress-free.
Ready to enjoy peaceful walks with your dog? Join our “Master the Walk” course today and turn daily strolls into calm, confident bonding time.