Today I thought I would tackle the mystery that is called loose leash walking.
It is something almost everyone goes through once in their dog-cohabitating life. Many struggle for years, many give up, and many wipe out. And still, there is the dog: straining with all her might, treating you like some sort of wagon or cart. That’s okay. It’s normal. I’m sure you’ve noticed you’re not nearly the only one with such an eager pup at the end of your leash. Since I’m hired primarily to help dogs who have bad leash behavior, I wanted to write a blog about this. And there is one word that I can’t say enough when tackling this issue: relationship. A dog, like any sentient being, needs to have a relationship with someone before she cares about them substantially. Especially more than the squirrel, ground hog scent, pee from the big Doberman who ate a ribeye for dinner yesterday and is also in heat. It’s like if you had to care more about an 6 year olds school play then sitting in a hot tub with a bottle of champagne, chocolate mousse, a glorious novel, and possibly some $500 dollar bills floating around. But you would… if you cared about that kid.
Relationship building activities is a whole other blog, but it can definitely be summarized with: quality time. You need to spend quality one-on-one time with your dog doing fun and educational things. This is what having a dog should be about. Nothing else. Examples are: games of tug, games of fetch, teaching tricks, practicing basic obedience, grooming, walking together, hiking together, brain games, agility, flyball, search and rescue, sheep herding, scent work, and yes, walking on a leash. Unfortunately for you, leash walking is the best way to create and solidify a relationship with your pup. Dogs love walking, and whoever they are walking with become their family. It’s a primal, genetic thing.
Now, just because your dog is pulling, does not mean you and he do not have a good relationship. But it does mean you haven’t fine-tuned it. Put it to the test, so to speak. This is where my second favorite work relating to loose leash walking comes in: brain. You have to use that relationship to train your canine partner’s brain to realize that being next to you is THE place to be. Think of it as your Fan Zone. The area around your legs is where your dog should want to hang out while walking with you on a leash. And using relationship and brain training, you too, can be the envy of the neighborhood.
Which brings us to exactly how to “brain train” that relationship. The first thing you need, is a 4 - 6 foot leather (or material) leash. No flexi leashes. The second thing you need is your dogs favorite treat ever. Usually this will be hot dog, cheese, chicken, or beef. Small little pieces. You will never, I mean never, leave home without a bag of this stuff on your hip in a treat bag. Not ever.
Oh, and the third thing you need is lots of precious patience combined with a “we’re gonna have fun!” attitude.
If your dog is absolutely a serious leash pulling enthusiast, you are going to have to start in the house with your treats and your dog on leash. All you’re going to do is call her name, and when she looks up at you, give her a treat. Do this with a loud and jovial voice. Start moving about, circling, backing away, etc. Do this for 5 minutes, then take a 15 minute break. Repeat.
When your dog is hard to back away from, and is just looking intently at you most of the time, you’re ready for the real world. If you live in a very loud, busy, smelly, food-littered place, please drive your dog to some quiet and calm neighborhood, where she is less likely to be tempted by all the doggie goodness.
When your dog pulls out in front of you, you will call her name (or you can use “pup pup pup!!”) and turn around and go the other way. She’ll have to follow you at some point, and when she catches up (enters the Fan Zone), say “good girl!” and give her a treat. Keep walking, and keep giving her treats every few seconds that she is choosing to stay in your Fan Zone.
Repeat.
For weeks.
You can also be mean and purposely try to turn and go the other way when she is not pulling. She should stay with you. If she doesn’t, do the drill.
See what I mean about patience? You’ll need that. And practice. And really great treats.
Hand-in-hand with this, is maintaining rules and boundaries at home, and practicing basic obedience. Train that brain!