I have taken care of several dogs over the years and spent much of that time with Standard Poodles. When it comes to walking dogs I realize it's the dogs time and not mine. So if the dog wants to sniff around more instead of walking much, that's fine with me. Fast paced walking and no sniffing, that too will work. I'm not much of a disciplinarian with dogs, I let them be themselves while behaving around others. I believe in this simple Cesar Millan quote....“let any animal “push your buttons.” Never, ever correct an animal out of anger or frustration. When you try to correct your dog out of anger, you are usually more out of control than your dog is. You are fulfilling your own needs, not the animal’s—and in a profoundly unhealthy way. Trust me, your dog will sense your unstable energy and often escalate her unwanted behavior instead. Remember, your dog is your mirror. The behavior you get back is usually, in some way, a reflection of your own.”