Loose Lead Walking

There are probably as many trainers who successfully teach dogs to walk on a leash as there are dogs walking on a leash. And they all have a special way to train. I don't believe there is any “right” or “perfect” way to train dogs except that it must be done in a positive way. If you are pulling and jerking, please stop. Your dog won't trust you any more and you might hurt her. Frustration and vet bills aside, it's not any fun either. If you are getting what you are asking for from the dog and everyone is having fun, you're doing it right.

Loose lead walking. Can't get your partner to take the dog for a walk any more? Can't get your partner to go for a walk with you and the dog because it's no fun? Your arms are aching and your shoulder can't take one more jerk or it truly will come out of its socket. Walks aren't walks, they are pulling contests. Your dog is ten steps ahead with all the weight in her shoulders, nose working, eyes watching for the next rabbit to run across the street. Oh, no, no, not the squirrel! Ahhhhh! This is not fun.

Loose lead walking is easy and it's fun. I will teach you to "cluck" and you'll have your "clucker" with you any where you go. Your "clucker" will be the sound you make to get your dog's attention and bring her back to you. (Not like a clicker which is like a camera taking a picture of a behavior you want to reinforce.) You will need a treat bag, really yummy treats, six foot leash, and a collar. I like the martingale collar. It's easy on the dog and it's pretty. Dog has collar on, leash is on, treats in bag, let's go! First things first. Dog waits at door until we say it's good to go out. The instant that dog relaxes and waits for you, the reward is an open door. We're going outside. Sit down on the ground and wait. When your dog finally lies down and gets comfy, treat and praise quietly. It's okay if the dog looks around, dog should be relaxed. You are ready to start loose lead walking.

Make a clucking sound with your tongue. Press your tongue up against the top, like you are pushing peanut butter off the roof of your mouth and suck your tongue down. If I have explained it right, you'll hear, “Cluck, cluck” or some such sound as that. That's good. It doesn't matter if you're really good at it or not or even what your "cluck" sounds like, just try to make the same sound each time. Cluck and treat the dog. Cluck, treat. Cluck, treat. Cluck, treat. Let's go walking. I like to say to the dog, “Ready? Let's go for a walk.” Walk at a good clip and be dropping treats onto the ground at your side where you want your dog to be. One treat at a time and lots of them, give you dog time to get the treat, no pulling. Drop, drop, drop. As quickly as she can eat them. Keep moving. Dog will pick them up and eventually will walk close to you to see if you're going to drop anything else. Now it's just practice. If she pulls, stand still. Hold the leash at your belly button, hold firm. Give her to the count of three to loosen the leash and come back. If she doesn't come back right away, “Cluck, cluck” and when she does come back to you, treat, treat, treat. The cluck is only for when the dog doesn't return to you quickly. Give her a second or two, let her decide you're where she wants to be. Be consistent, no more pulling, no more dragging, no more shoulder replacements. You'll both be having a wonderful walk and even your partner will join you. “A few more blocks before we turn back?” Oh, yeah. A dog who walks on a loose leash with you is a treat to everyone and a happy, happy dog.

There are a ton of wonderful books about walking on a leash and I like every one you see in our library. I love the one by Turid Rugaas, My Dog Pulls. What Do I Do?

Dog Training Tips
by Darcie Krueger
President, SitStay.com
Copyright 2007-2008