Today's Trainer Tip:
How to properly walk your dog on a Leash.
Loose Leash Walking:
Loose leash walking (LLW) means that a dog walks nicely, not pulling on the leash, and not completely all over the place. LLW is not the same thing as Heel. To teach a proper Heel, you must first teach LLW.
Consistency is very important when teaching LLW. Doing this technique is actually very easy, but does require a LOT of patience. Remember to stay calm. If you are calm and consistent, your dog will be walking nicely on a leash in about a week.
To begin, go out for a walk with your regular 4-6 foot leash and buckle collar properly fitted to your dog’s neck (so they can’t slip out). As soon as there is tension on the leash, you have two options:
When the dog pulls: 1) Stop and wait for the DOG to move in a way that releases the tension. When s/he does, continue walking.
2) Say “Let’s Go!” and walk off in the opposite direction.
It is best to try and do option #1 as much as possible. Be sure that when you stop and wait, you do not move in a way that is releasing the tension on the leash…the dog must do it.
REMEMBER: Patience! Patience! Patience!
