Leash Training: A Game-Changing Approach

Leash training is not just about teaching your dog to walk by your side; it's about creating a deep and meaningful connection with your canine friend. Inspired by the principles of Kindred Canine, this guide takes a fun, games-based approach to leash training, encouraging a joyful and fluid experience.

1. Understanding Leash Training Through Communication

• Integrating Leash Pressure: Dogs instinctively pull (the opposition reflex), so to reverse engineer pulling start with a game called GILP (giving into leash pressure). First, start subtle pressure on the leash from a still position quickly paired with a treat. Start to add movement, the slightest pressure, and a treat. By now your dog will have a fun, positive association with leash pressure means something yummy is coming. Next, we combine GILP with a game called “Gotta Have Faith”. Toss a treat away from you (a leash length away) turn away from your dog so you’re facing the opposite direction placing subtle pressure on the leash. Here’s the miracle of the game! Keep subtle pressure on the leash, and patience, and your dog will Give Into The Leash Pressure, which you reward.

• Using a Long Lead for Control: Long leads prevent your dog from running away and are instrumental in teaching them how to walk nicely by always being consistent!

2. Rewarding Your Dog: The Power of "Yes"

• Marking Positive Behavior: When a dog checks in or walks calmly next to you, marking it with a "yes” or “nice” followed by a reward like a treat or toy reinforces the behavior. Reward what you do want!

• Going Beyond Treats: Rewards could include toys or talking, touch, or whatever really lights up your dog.

3. Free Walks: Exploration and Habituation

• Long Lead Explorations: Free walks with a 30-foot lead allow dogs to explore and walk naturally. It’s not reasonable to expect a dog to be in a “heel” position all the time. Generally, it’s acceptable that in the first 10 minutes, our dog has the freedom to sniff and move about freely.

• Harnesses, Not Collars: Contrary to myths, harnesses don't cause pulling. They protect the neck and align with welfare concerns, offering a humane approach to training. We like to use a double-ring harness with a double leash, which works like reins on a horse.

4. Training Location Suggestions: Creativity and Environment

• Choosing Ideal Locations: Community centers, religious buildings, schools, and even cemeteries may provide peaceful places for training.

• Off-Peak Hours Training: Training during quiet hours can reduce distractions and overwhelm.

5. When Nothing Seems to Work: Troubleshooting

• Assessing Energy and Prerequisites: Ensure the dog’s needs are met prior to your training session, which could be also they need a no-rule (no pressure) few minutes to simply have fun and let go. Keep your leash walking training a game and joy for both you and your dog to be together by focusing on Proximity games, like Proximity Vortex or Orientation.

• Managing Expectations and Progress: Tracking progress and maintaining realistic expectations will motivate continued efforts. Realistically, you can expect a 1% improvement each day, and if there’s a setback, don’t worry. We all have bad days.

6. Dealing with Dog Reactivity

• Understanding the Challenge: Some dogs may be more reactive, requiring specialized methods to manage their responses. Leash reactivity is figureoutable!

7. The Kindred Canine Philosophy in Leash Training

• Emphasizing Joy and Connection: Kindred Canine promotes a games-based approach to dog training, making the process enjoyable and effective. If you’re not having fun, your dog is flooded with stress, change your picture. Stop walking and focus on fitness at home for awhile, change the location, and equipment, if walking multi-dogs, singles often do better when growing skills.

• A Holistic Approach: The methods encourage understanding the dog's overall life experience rather than isolating problems. Leash pulling can be a communication system where your dog is pulling because the environment is stressful, they are anxious, in pain, overstimulated, etc.

Leash training is more than a mechanical task; it's a journey that can foster a loving bond between you and your furry friend. Through fun, games-based methods, it's possible to build a positive and understanding relationship that transcends the leash. I like to think of my leash as a Morse code system and so will use it to communicate as a two-way radio with my dog, not forgetting they have needs, too.