Pet Owner Says This 'Should Be the Standard' When Walking Dogs

Newsweek

3 days ago

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A dog owner has shared what she believes "should be the standard" for dogs when walking off-leash in a viral video on Instagram.
Maria Morgana, 36, lives with certified therapy dog Hudson, a 3-year-old golden retriever who has gone viral for his great off-leash skills.
In a video posted under the handle @hudsonstaysgolden, Morgana showed off Hudson's leash walking on a busy sidewalk as he stayed stuck to his owner's side, focus completely on her, until he was given the word that he could move further.
"POV: This should be the standard," Morgana, who lives in North Bergen, New Jersey, captioned the post, sparking conversation about modern dog ownership and the importance of having good control over your pet in public.
"The video wasn't something I planned," Morgana told Newsweek. "We walk like this all the time. But I posted it because I think a lot of people underestimate what calm, connected walking can look like—especially without a leash."
Hudson showing off his walking skills in the viral video.
Hudson showing off his walking skills in the viral video.
@hudsonstaysgolden/Instagram
Morgana emphasizes that the video wasn't meant as a critique of others. Instead, she hopes it inspires dog owners to consider the role of relationship-building in training.
"Off-leash walking isn't where training starts. It starts at home—through daily habits, play, and trust," she said. "Hudson's not just trained, we're deeply bonded. That's what keeps him close—not a leash."
With 1.9 million views, the video sparked praise from viewers who were pleased to see a dog walking so well in public.
"Respecting public space matters. Reactive dogs deserve patience and distance, not judgment or confrontation. People let their dogs off and assume it'll be fine. That's not the standard we should accept," Morgana said.
Research shows that many pet owners don't have the control Morgana does over their dogs. A 2021 survey of over 2,000 pet owners found that more than 82 percent of owners said their dogs pull on a leash. While another 2022 survey found that 80 percent of dog owners struggle with their dog's recall off leash.
"I wouldn't expect all dogs to walk like that off-lead. Personally, I love to see dogs being dogs: sniffing, exploring, and engaging with their environment. My own dog is often off-lead, happily sniffing bushes or having a wee," Rachel Rodgers, pet behaviorist at Napo Pet Insurance, told Newsweek.
"Not every dog is going to walk perfectly in step, and that's totally normal. What really matters is that your dog responds to you, has a reliable recall, and an effective emergency stop. They don't need to have their nose in line with your toes at all times—that kind of precision mainly serves the human, not the dog. At the end of the day, your dog's safety, wellbeing, and happiness are what truly count."
When asked how others might achieve similar results, Morgana keeps it simple: "Start with play. Become your dog's favorite thing. Work on neutrality. Reward calmness. Learn what motivates your dog."
Hudson's walk has since sparked hundreds of positive comments from dog lovers and trainers alike.
"This is beautiful!" said one viewer. "If only everyone would be able to do this before letting their dog off leash."
While another said: "Can we hire him? For his brothers and sisters out there that need some training."
"Lovely interaction and bonding between you two!" wrote another Instagram user.
Morgana clarified that her video wasn't meant to shame dog owners, but to educate what can be done with the right training. "There's no one-size-fits-all," she said. "But dogs are capable of incredible things when we meet them halfway."
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