Loose Leash Walking
“How can I train my dog to walk nicely on a loose leash?” This is one of the most common questions I get as a dog trainer. You have to keep in mind that walking restrained on a leash is not a natural behavior for anyone. Much less if you have a nose that can identify smells anywhere between 10,000 to 100,000 times better than your human handler. Plus, that nose can also track a scent where as, human noses can only smell at a short distance. That nose can pick up on a variety of smells and gather contributory information for a advantageous hunt.
You would think that this is more than enough to distract your lovable pooch, however, your dog’s scenes of hearing also contributes to the battle with the leash. In fact, those ears can hear something as far away as a quarter of a mile, sometimes even farther.
I’m not saying you can’t train your dog to walk nicely on a loose leash. I just need you to understand of what you are competing against each time you take your pooch out for a walk.
There are many ways to train your dog to walk nicely on a loose leash. I’m sure you are also aware that there are also an array of products you can purchase to help you to “stop your dog from pulling”. The problem is that it doesn’t matter what tool you use, if you continue to follow your dog when he pulls you, your dog simply learns that the only way he can enjoy the environment, is by pulling and dragging you along with him.
The Loose Leash Walking J Method shown in this video is one of my favorite. Mainly because you never allow the dog to pull to begin with. The dog learns to follow you and stick by you. This coupled with the “Learn to Earn” protocol, set the team up for success when it comes to going out on a leisurely walk you both can enjoy.
Learn to Earn video coming soon.
