Luvk9s Dog Training

Loose Leash Walking

    

Have you ever observed a group of dogs walking calmly next to each other, side by side?

Neither have I. Walking side by side simply is not a natural canine behavior. It’s easy to teach cues like sit or down because dogs naturally sit and down. But loose leash walking? Left to their own devices, most dogs will dash, dart, sniff and run circles around their owners. This explains why loose leash walking is so challenging to teach.

Most dogs also learn early on that pulling works; it gets them where they want to go faster. Teaching loose leash walking requires training, practice and consistency.

Because most of my clients are pet dog owners, I teach loose leash walking as opposed to an obedience heel. In an obedience heel, the dog stays on the handlers left side in a straight line next to the handler’s knee. With loose leash walking, the dog is allowed more freedom in where he is positioned.

   

LOOSE LEASH WALKING FOUNDATION EXERCISE
 
Start by having your dog stand or sit in front of you. The objective is to encourage your dog to make eye contact and understand that the walk involves both of you.

  • Start walking backwards (your dog will be walking forwards) for a minute or so, rewarding your dog with high-value food rewards such as hot dogs, cheese or Bil-Jac treats. Do not allow the dog to jump up to get the treat - reward at dog level,
  • Next, pivot to your right and walk sideways next to your dog; continue rewarding with treats.
  • After a few seconds, pivot again so you are now walking forward facing the same direction as your dog.
  • Take only one step forward, then stop and ask your dog to sit. Praise your dog verbally. Use the higher value reward - treats – only when your dog is walking nicely next to you.


Now repeat the exercise, but once you are facing the same direction as your dog, take two steps forward before stopping. Repeat again but take three steps forward before stopping. Slowly build up the number of steps you move forward each time you perform this exercise.

If your dog lunges ahead, you may be moving too quickly.

For a visual, click here to go to YouTube.

RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT

Once your dog understands the foundation exercise, it’s time to start walking and using a technique trainers call “red light, green light.” The technique is simple; if the dog pulls, the walk stops. If the dog does not pull, the walk continues.

 Even after you have done your foundation work, at some point your dog will pull because this behavior has worked in the past. (You may remember from psychology class that this is called an extinction burst.) When this happens, simply stop and stand still until the leash gets tight.

  • Wait until your dog turns around to see why you’re not moving. The leash will loosen up slightly when this happens.
  • Call your dog back to you and continue walking forward. What we’re teaching the dog is that if the leash goes tight, the walk stops. If the leash is loose, the walk continues.
  • If the dog hesitates to return to you, move forwards to loosen the leash and then backwards to invoke the chase instinct. Be lively and interesting and slap your thigh while calling your dog in a happy high-pitched tone of voice. Praise verbally and reward by continuing the walk.


HELPFUL HINTS

While this sounds counter-intuitive, start your walk with a calm and tired dog. Work the edge off with a rousing game of catch or Frisbee before starting out.

  • Establish manners before the walk. If your dog goes crazy when he sees the leash, do not attach the leash until he sits calmly. Ask your dog to sit and wait before opening the door. Get into the habit of going through the door first so you can use your body to encourage your dog to walk down the stairs slowly.
  • Be consistent. If the dog is allowed to pull on occasion, he will always continue to attempt to pull.
  • If your dog is really distracted, try executing a quick series of U-turns to get your dog focused back on you.
  • Teach your dog a release cue (like “free dog”) that gives your dog permission to take a break from walking to sniff and check his “pee mail.”


If you are still having difficulty, look at your walking equipment. A shorter double-handled leash gives you more control than a retractable leash. Walking harnesses where the leash attaches at the chest cuts down on pulling more than a harness where the leash attaches on the back. For tough pullers, a head halter can work miracles.

As noted by O. A. Battista, “a dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk.”  Happy trails and happy training!