LOOSE LEAD WALKING
Loose lead walking is as the title suggests, walking with the lead swinging alike a hammock or a lead with a smile in it. If we can achieve this then we also begin to increase the bond between Human and dog, If the dog is constantly checking in with us and taking our direction then they develop a trust and believe in our ability to make good choices for them.
WHY IS LOOSE LEAD SO IMPORTANT
Loose lead walking is far less stressful for both Human and Dog alike. If we are constantly wrestling with the dog throughout the walk then both parties will be stressed serving to make the walk totally un-enjoyable. Loose lead also helps when we approach undesirable encounters during the walk as it promotes calm behaviour.
HOW DO WE ACHIEVE LOOSE LEAD WALKING
Loose lead training actually starts in the home where the dog is relaxed and ready and willing to work with you free from distractions. We begin with learning to walk to heel, a great way to do this is to use the magic circle which is an imaginary circle the size of a dustbin lid around your feet. Every time the dog enters the circle we mark and reward first at a standstill and then on the move changing pace and direction randomly. After the dog has worked out being in the circle is a great place to be, we can then add the Cue “HEEL” then mark and reward, after a week or so the dog will be heel trained in the house.
NEXT STEP
Ok time to proof that behaviour, into the garden (off lead) and walk the dog around the perimeter hopefully at heel. The dog will notice sounds and other distractions to remove his concentration away from the job in hand, call the dog back and insist he stays with the program. When we can confidently carry out this discipline then it’s time to add the lead, remember the lead is not for pulling the dog around, it’s merely a safety line in case of the dog lunging away during the walk. It is very important to train a release Cue, after the dog has worked hard we need to let them know class finished so a simple release cue is essential, it can be any thing you prefer such as THAT WILL DO, GO PLAY
INTO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
So we have proofed the exercise in the garden, and it’s lead on and out the front door. Exactly the same procedure as the garden but the distractions will be so much more regular and intense. Patience is the key stick to the plan and do not deviate away from the strict guideline, only perfection will be accepted. With hard work and determination we will win the day.
PULLING ON THE LEAD
Dogs pull on the lead for one simple reason, they want to get where they are going quicker. Your dog will be self reinforced by this action because, by you going forwards with the dog you are actually reinforcing the behaviour. The solution is to stop and refuse to move until the dog returns to heel. The dog will work out that the end of the lead means your going nowhere. When this happens is the moment we begin changing direction at random times. 3 paces forward three paces back. By doing this we take control of the walk and the dog looks to us for direction.
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