Loose lead walking

Where loose lead walking goes wrong mostly is that we think the behaviour is now a habit (walk nicely next to me) before it is ingrained as a habit. Dogs always do what works for them and if pulling on a lead gets them to where they want to go, then that’s what they will continue to do. Consistency is key here. Break loose lead walking down into two parts, walking with you first and then bringing the lead into the equation.

Step 1: Walking with you 

Encourage your dog to want to be by your side. We aren’t looking for PHD-level schooled obedience here, just a desire to want to be by your side. Choose a word or signal that you want to use to ask for this behaviour in the future (such as the word ‘Close’). Say the magic word and then take a baby step and if they remain with you, reinforce with a reward. Repeat this a couple of times (word then move) and then increase to two steps before rewarding them. Increase to three steps, four, etc, until you can move about 10 paces for one reinforcer. 

Step two: On the lead 

Now add the lead in and start from the beginning – magic word, move one step, and reinforce with a reward. Again, consistency is key. After each repetition reinforce but notice that effectively you are fading out the reinforcer as you are teaching your dog that they can move with you for longer periods for one reinforcer. 

Step 3: Adding in distractions 

Having practised this in a non-distracting environment, such as the kitchen, hall, or back garden, we now need to take it on the road. Set yourselves up for success by starting from the front door and asking for just one step, so it’s magic word, move one step, and reinforce. As we progress to being able to move more steps, we might start changing up the reinforcers which can be to stop and sniff a lamppost or say hi to another dog.