Nobody enjoys being hauled around on the end of a lead like a rag doll by some crazy, stressed out canine.
Most dog owners want to walk along the street with their dog quietly keeping pace with them.
There is lots of material available detailing how to get a dog to walk at heel. Most methods involve some sort of jerking or pulling motion that punishes the dog if he pulls on the lead.
I differ from most trainers in this department. I believe that if the pack leadership system is in place the dog will be happy to follow his handler and do whatever he is asked to do.
In the wild, the lead wolf leads the pack into the hunt. The lead wolf walks at the front of the pack. In our world by encouraging the dog to follow us we communicate our intention to lead the pack and control the situation.
So instead of correcting a dog for pulling on a short lead, I reward the dog for following me on a long lead. When the dog masters the “following” action, I slowly shorten the length of the training line until I have the dog walking happily beside me.
Here’s how I train my loose lead method.
Take the dog to a park or open area. A quiet area, free from distractions is preferable to start with.
Put the dog on a 15-foot training line. Walk in the opposite direction to where the dog is facing but keep watching him.
When the line tightens slow down to prevent a nasty jerk. Continue to walk and remember to focus on him throughout this exercise. Praise him as he starts to walk towards you but keep walking.
Keep changing direction and keep altering your walking pace.
Remember to praise him when he follows you. You can use treats if necessary.
The object of the exercise is to get the dog’s focus and attention. Unpredictable turns and change of pace will ensure that he remains focused.
If the dog is constantly aware of where you are in relation to him, he will keep pace with you and pay attention. I find this method great for curing pullers and stubborn dogs.
This method is non confrontational and helps bond both owner and dog. It is also a great foundation for teaching other obedience behaviours like stay, wait and recall.
Introducing other behaviours while loose lead training
Once you have the dog following you on a loose line, try raising your hand with the palm of your hand facing the dog (like a halt command) with the dog a few paces from you.
Most dogs will normally stop and look at you. Some dogs will sit and look at you. Take a few steps backward with your hand still in the halt position, stop and wait for a few seconds then call him with you hands up above your head (like a hands up position) giving him a welcoming body language.
Make a fuss of him with loads of praise and tasty treats when he comes to you. This forms the basis of a stay and recall behaviour.Loose lead training is also an ideal opportunity to teach the “turn” command.
When you change direction during loose lead training, issue the voice cue “turn” as the dog changes direction to follow you. You will be amazed how quickly the dog will understand that “turn” means change direction and follow you.
I find these behaviours easy to integrate into loose lead work. This is the clever way to expand the dog’s repertoire. Most dogs take to this type of training very easily and respond well.
Common problems experienced using the loose lead method.
It is imperative that the dog does not dictate to the handler. The handler must continue walking if the dog decides to stop.
The dog needs to learn to pay attention to the tension of the line. We want to train the dog to be tension sensitive. We want to discourage any pulling or tightening of the line.
Long training lines can be very dangerous and can cause serious injury if they get tangled around the handler’s legs etc. Always ensure that the dog cannot tangle you up by running behind you.
Always be aware of the amount of play on the training line. You want to ensure that the dog can’t reach another dog or handler if he chooses to run across the field towards it
