Getting a puppy to walk nicely on a leash is a challenge many of us are familiar with. But one owner has discovered a new hack to keep her pup by her side, and social media viewers have lauded the innovative technique.

The hilarious video, which was posted on TikTok by user @goodboystetson, shows how the owner found a new use for a wooden spoon during a dog walk. There was no pulling on the leash and the sweet puppy walked in step with her owner, all because she was too distracted by the delicious peanut butter on the wooden spoon.

Instead of chasing after other dogs or running too far ahead, the young pup stayed by her owner's side and tried to lick the spoon clean as she walked. There was one point when she stopped to sit down and continued trying to eat. After all, multitasking can be tiring work.

Since the genius hack was posted on TikTok on June 21, it's generated more than 362,100 views and over 16,900 likes. TikTok users have been delighted by the dog's sheer concentration as she tried to get every last mouthful of peanut butter.

Importance of Leash Training

It's no secret that dogs need walks for mental stimulation and physical activity. To get that, they need to know how to walk on a leash properly. Leash-trained dogs have more opportunities to go out with their owners, says PetMD. And if they're accustomed to wearing a leash regularly, it prevents reactivity.

When beginning loose leash training, owners are encouraged to use plenty of treats to reward the dog for following instructions and to create positive associations.

The Animal Humane Society recommends taking baby steps at first—literally. Take a step and stop, then feed the dog a treat in line with your legs. That way, it is positioned to stay in step with you. This step should be repeated over and over, keeping the dog by your side each time.

If the dog pulls or moves forward without warning, use the treats to lure it back in line. Perhaps most important, don't give it a treat yet. Take a couple of steps forward and then feed the dog when it's in line.

Gradually add more steps until the dog is a pro at loose leash walking.

How Did Social Media React?

While the video of the tasty training hack was certainly hilarious, it was all for an important cause. The pup in the clip will hopefully become a service dog with Canine Companions, so her thorough training regimen has already begun.

After the clip went viral online, TikTok users were full of praise for the hardworking dog and its sheer dedication. Others offered their own training tips and advice.

One comment reads: "Genius! Thanks for sharing this tip!"

Another TikTok user responded: "I use one of those tennis ball throwers, it's longer so you don't have to bend over so much!"

Another person wrote: "Glad to see little guide dogs in the making."

Newsweek reached out to @goodboystetson via TikTok for comment and could not verify the details of the case.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

2024 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 28, 2024, 10:26 AM.