Leash Communication
A leash is a connection not a tool, when used correctly It provides guidance, direction and communication between the dog and handler. A loose leash makes the walk enjoyable for both dog and the handler.
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What
Leash communication is an exercise for dogs and human who haven't learnt to communicate using their leash and instead are either pulling each other around on the walk or are using other tools like Halite's, chokers and prong collars to stay in control.
Effective leash communication helps you and your dog learn to enjoy calm peaceful walks together and learn to follow each other's movements, and travel together without needing to add excessive pressure on the leash.
Awareness
When connected on the lead, you and your dog need to learn to be aware of each other's movements and directions. If you are not aware of your dog, they could wrap you around a tree or pull you in a dangerous direction. At the same time, if your dog is not aware of your movements, they can start to pull on the lead or become frustrated without understanding the direction and speed at which you are both walking.
The best way to build awareness on the walks is to teach your Dog Eye Contact and do exercises like Puppy stations.
It is also beneficial to talk to your dog, use your marker often to reward good behaviour, and use simple phrases like 'let's go', 'this way 'and 'go sniff' to help your dog understand what it is you are doing.
Respect and trust
A loose leash connection requires you and your dog to be on the same page, your dog needs to trust you to keep them safe and take them to the best sniff spots there are, They also need to understand that you cannot allow them to go wherever they chose and at times they need to respect your decision to move away from things they may want to explore.
You need to trust your dog allowing them to get close to and inspect novel items on the walks, while on a loose lead, and respect their need to sniff and explore certain areas when safe to do so.
The best way to build trust is to understand your dog's needs and help them satisfy these needs together. Tools like a Long line allow your dog to explore at their pace, without needing to drag you to every tree and it gives you the ability to communicate where you want to go and teaching your dog to follow, without needing to speak or add excessive pressure on the line.
Body Positioning
Where the nose goes, the body will follow.
When on a lead, if on a straight path, your body is facing forward, and your dog understands that the destination is directly ahead. Sometimes they may try to pull ahead to explore the area or speed up the walk to reach the final destination faster.
To help your dog understand where you want to go and to teach them to follow you:
1. Hold your leash at your Core (the base of your abdomen),
2. Turn your body and face the direction you want to move in.
3. If the leash is tight, get into an action stance (one foot in front of the other) but don't pull your dog. Wait till you feel the leash go slack.
4. When the leash is loose and your dog starts walking in the same direction, start to move at a brisk pace in the direction you have chosen. Mark and reinforce your dog when they are at your side, either on the left or right.
5. If your dog runs past you and pulls ahead, change direction again or start to practise in a less stimulating environment like your backyard first.
When your dog wants to go in a particular direction, they will position their body in that direction. If the leash is loose and it's safe follow your dog and move forward in that direction. If the lead goes tight slow to a stop. When the leash goes loose again, Mark then immediately, move forward at a brisk pace.
A long line will help give your dog the space they need to start watching your body.
Leash Pressure
Tight is the brake
Loose is the accelerator.
This will become a lot harder to master if your dog has not yet learnt and mastered awareness, trust and position, or if they are distracted and have a learning history of walking on a tight leash. In these cases, it is recommended to start this exercise in a quiet low stimulus environment and slowly move into more stimulating environments.
Using a 3 or 5 Meter lead, start walking next to your dog. Keep your hand holding the leash loose by your side.
If the pressure builds and you feel your hand lifting above the elbow, slow down and eventually stop. When your hand drops back down below the elbow, walk forward again slowly. If there is no pressure on your hand, move faster or even run/jog if you can.
When your dog pulls towards an undesirable direction stop, and position your body towards the right direction. When pressure is released, walk forward at a brisk pace.
Enjoying the journey, not a destination
If you start every walk thinking you have limited time to walk the dog and you need to give them as much exercise as possible, the goal is to go as far and as fast as possible, you end up with a dog that rushes out the door and acts like they are training to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Slow it down.
1. Put the dog's harness on a few hours before the walk when possible.
2. If your dog gets really excited at the start of the walk, start by walking around your backyard or front yard while playing the Find it Game.
3. Help your dog burn off excess energy with a game of fetch or tug before the walk.
4. When deciding on a destination, factor in an extra 10 to 15 minutes to relax and allow your dog to decompress and unwind during the walk. It's okay if you don't make it to the destination. It's all about making the journey a pleasurable one.
5. Swap out a high-octane power walk for a Sniffari or a Backpack Walk.
6. Stop at different places on the walk and get your dog to relax by your side, and do nothing (no food, no sniffing, simply relax and watch the world turn) for 1-5minutes.
7. Walk back the same way you went to reduce the extra distractions and give your dog the chance to focus on you and earn reinforcement.
Exercises that can help: Backpack Walks, Find it games on walks, practising Scentwork when outside.
Remember, a leash walk is not the way to burn off energy. If you have a dog that needs to release a lot of energy, enrol them in a sport like Dog agility, use a pushbike to allow them to run, or if they are social with other dogs, take them to your local dog park to play with other like-minded dogs.
A smiling Leash
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