One of the most important tools we use in our training is the lead, how we use it can define and shape a lot of our dogs skills and behaviour.
Unfortunately, many rely on equipment to do the training for them and use their lead as a restraint device rather than for appropriate communication.
A lot of behavioural issues such as lead reactivity, fear, aggression, over excitement, “anxiety” and of course simple lead pulling can all be exacerbated from terrible lead etiquette.
If you pop to any of your local pet stores, you will most likely find many pieces of equipment you can buy that come with some pretty impressive claims or guarantees, this in reality is… inappropriate marketing. Many of these will actually TEACH your dog to pull if not conditioned and used correctly.
The first things we would look at, “is my equipment applying any unwanted pressure?” and “is my equipment fitted correctly?”.
The only thing that will stop your dog from pulling is YOU AND YOUR TRAINING!
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What is Opposition Reflex?
Opposition reflex is something we all have including our dogs, which summed up means we oppose any force applied to us. So when you apply pressure through your lead or equipment you trigger the reflex which in turns teaches your dog to pull.
Each time you allow it, each time your dog guides you, each time your dog reaches what they wanted you are reinforcing this behaviour.
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Holding the lead
Wrapping your lead around and around your wrist is a quick way to tighten it, apply pressure to your dog and in turn teach them to pull. It is also a wonderful way to break your wrist.
Firstly, give your dog the length of your lead and place the loop over your right thumb. Shut your fist and place it on your stomach, this is what we call an ‘anchor’.
This will give your dog more slack, it frees your left hand up to grab it (ONLY if required), and your hand now has a much more natural range of motion. By placing your fist on your stomach and changing your stance your bodies core is now in control, not your arm and shoulder which can lead to sore muscles or injury if you have a strong dog or puller.
It is not about strength, it is about technique.
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Begin Training Loose Lead
Loose lead must be trained like any other skill and this means beginning in a low distraction environment like your rear yard.
Pick two points in the yard and begin walking straight parallel lines between them changing direction often. With your left hand by your left side, use a treat to begin luring your dog back and forth.
As your dog continues the repetition of following and being reinforced in position, wean off the lure and continue to change directions often. As your dog turns and follows you, mark it with your “yes” and reward in position.
As you build resilience in the skill slowly begin adding more distractions such as toys, food, lawnmowers, people, other dogs etc.
REMEMBER
1. Give your dog slack in the lead, the pressure will teach them to pull
2. Hold your lead properly for safety
3. Reinforce your dog regularly for focus
4. Do not let them pull you ANYWHERE at ANY POINT.
5. Your lead is for COMMUNICATION, not RESTRAINT.
If your dog cannot walk nicely in your rear yard, if they cannot walk in the rear yard they are not ready for the street, and if they cannot walk on your street then they are not ready for the local park and so on.
Also, for those who want to achieve more off-lead control please take heed on these words of wisdom from Larry Krohn “If you want better off-leash control practice more on-leash control”
Like our previous tip, go back to basics!
#slackyourlead #7tipstobetterbehaviour
