Can You Walk the Walk?

I’m always in awe as I drive through neighborhoods while virtually cheering folks who walk their dogs in any kind of weather. As kind as Mother Nature has been this winter, I would surmise that most folks haven’t practiced walking their dogs much or at all. It can be a love or hate response when it comes to loose-leash walking with your dog. The majority of clients that seek me out have a hate response to loose-leash walking. It’s so much easier to say than to do!

I had a client send me an email the other day about how horrible their dog walked on a leash at the park after our first session. Of course, I was very disappointed with my client because they hadn’t even started with one of the suggested first steps. Having her start at the park was like diving straight into the deep end of the pool without ever learning how to doggy paddle or float. Needless to say, they sank like a rock. They had to physically carry their 80-pound dog back to the car. I responded to her email, ”If you were to teach a new driver how to drive, would you start them on Interstate 95, or would you find a nice quiet parking lot?”

Loose-leash walking is exactly what it sounds like. You have a nice loose leash between you and your dog. Not enough practice with too many distractions is where problems begin and sadly end. Most people just give up. Begin your training by having the dog follow you around the house either on the left side of you or the right while on a leash. Every couple of steps give your dog a treat at the take out window for following you. The “take-out window” is where the treats should be dispensed down the outside seam of your pants, right next to your knee. Make kissy noises or slap the side of your leg to encourage the dog to follow you. You need a high rate of reinforcement in the beginning (that means lots of treats). Gradually ask more steps from your dog, as he is getting it give less treats. When your dog is following you from one end of the house and back for one treat that’s when it is time to take it outside to the yard not the park.