Does JD Vance even know how to walk a dog? Viral video raises eyebrows

JD Vancethe Republican candidate for Vice President, is under scrutiny after a viral video of him walking his German Shepherd, AtlasThe clip, which was intended to show a down-to-earth side of Vance, has instead raised doubts about his ability to handle his pet.
In the video, Vance can be seen holding Atlas' leash in the middle instead of using the recommended hand loop. Atlas, who was wearing an “EZ Walk” harness designed for dogs that pull, was apparently controlled by Vance using only three fingers. This method, experts say, may not be effective for handling a large dog like Atlas and may pose safety risks.

Expert opinions
Eli Yudin, an experienced handler, criticized Vance's technique. “Using only three fingers to hold the leash may not be enough if Atlas decides to pull or chase something,” Yudin explained. “This could also lead to potential injury for Vance.” He noted that the harness and leash, even if properly fitted, may not make up for the lack of proper handling.

Johnny Stoumbos, another Dog walking One professional shared those concerns. “An experienced dog owner would understand the importance of a firm grip and good leash control, especially with a large breed,” he said. Stoumbos said the video may have been a political maneuver to portray Atlas as exceptionally well-behaved without the need for careful supervision.
Atlas’s behavior gives cause for concern
The video also showed Atlas' body language. Some viewers noticed that the dog looked uncomfortable with his tail and ears hanging down. Yudin interpreted this as a sign that Atlas may not be used to being walked by Vance. “Although body language can be misleading, Atlas' obvious discomfort could be an indication that Vance is not the primary handler,” Yudin noted.
Impact of the campaign
Vance, who joined the Republican party in July, is struggling with the impression that he is out of touch. The intention behind Atlas's presentation at the Election campaign was intended to humanize Vance, but the video may have had the opposite effect. Rather than presenting an identifiable image, it raised doubts about Vance's ability to handle dogs and exacerbated the difficulty he has in appealing to voters.
The video, intended to highlight a personal moment, has instead heightened questions about Vance's suitability and raised concerns about his handling of his pet.