I have a 13 week old sheltie puppy. He walks along great on the leash. However, he walks behind me instead of beside or in front of me. I am uncomfortable with this, I want him where I can keep an eye on him. This is a new behavior to me. A pulling dog I know how to deal with, but how do I convince him to walk beside me? I thought perhaps to try using 2 leashes with a friend of mine and walk him between us, but I am just making that up and would rather see if anyone has a suggestion they know actually works.

Thanks for the help

I think you're puppy is doing that because he respects your authority and to try to get him to take the lead is counter intuitive to his instincts. He's following you like you're the pack leader and the protector. By forcing him into the lead you may be sending him the wrong message.

HI,
A dog should never walk in front of you while on a leash.
If you are persistent and consistent, you can have your Sheltie walking beside you all the time, while on a leash!
When you go for a walk, after leaving the front door, leave only about a foot or two of leash between your hand and him. Keep it short enough so that he will have to walk beside you, not giving him enough leash to walk behind. Keep it up, and maybe within 2 days, he will walk by your side.

I highly recommend a video by Ceaser Millan, a Professional Dog Behaviorist. He rehabilitates dogs, and trains people.

He has his own TV program, the Dog Whisperer, on the NGEO (National Geographic) channel, on Friday nights mainly, but also comes on some other days. This video is available from:
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
I also ordered his new book, "Ceaser's Way", from Walmart online, around $15 US, and it's very good!

There are other good videos available on the web, but this one is really worth your attention.

If you get the TV channel, please watch a couple of his programs. He explains all this, plus lots, lots more. Great Programs!

I agree with the above

I think your walking to fast for him... When he's older then you can walk fast but he's to young

The other thing to be aware of is that this is a sheltie. They're herders... it's in their blood to walk behind you so that they can herd you. You want to make sure that he doesn't start doing that, or else you will wind up with nipped heels.

Let sleeping threads lie.