Clicker training and walking without a leash

Question
Hi. I have an Australian cattle dog. They are very smart dogs,am I'm sure you know, but I wanted to take his intelligence to another level. When we go for walks. He is in a harness. And usually a short lead. But he does well and sometimes, not often, gets a little sidetracked but he corrects himself. He pulls a little when he gets excited. I would like to start clicker training and walking besides me without a leash. I want to teach him dominance and that I am in charge but I've never fully looked into it because everyone says something different. I truly hope that I could depend on your advice and would love to hear back from you. He is 1 year old  he taught him self to sit and he knows where his food is. He also taught himself to scratch at the door if he needs to go out. I am ready to do so much more. I originally wanted to show him but I couldn't find any good trainers near me. Now it's all about obedience. So what do you say, how do I do clicker training and walking without a leash?
Is there hope for me? Lol

Answer
Hi Gina,

I am going to operate on the assumption that this is an honest question. I am not really sure what you mean by teaching your dog dominance. This is not an accepted teaching philosophy these days. Please refer to the position statement of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (http://avsabonline.org/resources/position-statements) as a good place to start. Also please know that dominance and obedience are in direct opposition to clicker training.

I have a YouTube channel you may find helpful in learning basic clicker concepts and technique: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWj1N42y35shuHympYdNPmg  You may also find some of the articles I have written, especially those that appear on the Animal Info Publications website helpful. You can find these by clicking on the Articles tab on my website:
www.click-r-train.com.

As far as clicker training your dog to walk off leash at your side, you may want to see this series of YouTube videos for an idea of how this might be properly done, but beware, you need to understand the basic concepts and principles of clicker training before trying this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSmOOcELgxU

You can also see my Facebook page for helpful tips and information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canine-Connection-LLC/267614856976

I offer distance training if you are interested in more assistance. See my website (www.click-r-train.com) for more information.

Thanks for your question, and best of luck!

Cindy