Hello, Fetch Pack! It’s Clara, the certified trainer at Amarillo Fetch.  I am so happy to be able to share with you all. Today I wanted to give you guys some training tips for when your dog is pulling on-leash because it can be a pretty common challenge among us dog people. Many clients are surprised when I suggest that we start without a leash at all. The most important part of communicating with your dog on leash is having engagement. I want them to voluntarily check in with me, and when I do get that leash on, they are already used to walking near me and giving me frequent eye contact. I see the leash as a safety belt rather than a remote control. It’s there when you need it, but not for manipulating the dog's movement.

We can start teaching engagement by rewarding it when it comes naturally! Prepare some yummy bite-sized treats, and pick a low distraction area to work. Load your marker, whether that is a clicker, a verbal marker, or even a visual marker if you have a deaf pup. Loading just means that we are showing the dog that the marker happens ------> then yummy treat happens.

Here is an example of me loading a clicker.

Once you’re all loaded up, then we can start marking and rewarding the desirable things that our dog is doing. When your dog looks at you, mark with your marker and treat--either directly to them or toss the treat! Your dog will be more likely to look at you if it predicts a click and cookie. For loose leash walking, I like to deliver directly to my dog, or I drop treats next to my foot on the side I want them to be on.That helps make you a magnet for reinforcement!

Once they’re hovering near you, add some movement. I like to start with a pattern game called “1-2-3 treat”. I count out loud and take a step with each number “one - two - three” then I mark and treat! I practice walking forward and backward while my pup is hovering near me. Here’s a video of me playing the game below.

Once your pup has had plenty of practice off-leash, you can add your leash! You will need to practice in different locations to generalize and distractions do happen. Pobody’s nerfect! I would love to show you more tips and tricks for walking your dog loosely on-leash or in a tighter heel position during a class or lesson where I can show you hands-on. Follow the link below to book a consultation with me so we can discuss your training needs. I can’t wait to meet you and your baby!

Clara

Amarillo Fetch Trainer