Take a Walk with Me – Leash Walking Tips

For this month’s training tip, I’m going to share with you one of my favorite loose leash walking games! But first, let’s talk tools. As a positive reinforcement and force-free trainer, my goal is to teach dogs without the use of aversive tools. So for leashed walks, my “go to” is a well-fitting harness and a 10-foot leash (yes, 10 feet!).

It is a myth that harnesses cause pulling, and I love the agency it gives our dogs to move their head and neck. I also love using a long line for the same reason. Our dogs shouldn’t have to walk at heel the whole walk, and I find that giving them a little “wiggle room” takes the edge off, because they can walk at their own pace and have time to sniff (yes, even for reactive dogs!). It is, however, helpful to teach a “heel” cue for when you’re crossing the street or in a busy place. We’ll talk about how to teach that next month! 

The Fishing Game: a loose leash walking exercise. 

Tools: Dog wearing harness and leash of 6-10’, high-value treats (chicken, cheese, liver treats, etc)

Step 1: Go to a location where your dog is comfortable and not too overwhelmed.
Step 2: Start walking.
Step 3: If you feel tension on the leash, stop.
Step 4: Wait for your dog to look at you (don’t call their name – just wait).
Step 5: When your dog looks at you, happily say, “Yes!” and toss a treat BEHIND you. 
Step 6: When your dog finds the treat, start walking forward. 
Step 7: When your dog is at your side (likely trying to pass), say, “Yes!” and toss a treat near them or beyond you for them to find. 

Repeat, repeat, repeat! 

The power of this game comes from the repetition. So in the beginning, you may say, “Melissa! I’m stopping every two feet!” And I’ll say, “Good job! Keep going!” Pretty soon, your dog will feel the leash pressure and immediately turn around expecting a treat when they come to you. ou=reward. And because of this association they’ll want to stick closer and closer to you. 

Bonus Tip: if your dog is not interested in the treats (and they usually love treats) it means they’re at a location that is too overwhelming for them. Try practicing somewhere that they’ll feel more comfortable at. 

Have so much fun with this game! 

Happy Training,

Melissa Jackson