Your dog should be under control when out for a walk for their safety and the safety of others. They do not have to walk beside you the whole time, but there should be no tension in the leash. Every step you take with a tight leash rewards your dog for pulling on leash and makes the behavior stronger!
Week 2
Control Position: Dog is on your left side. both of you facing the same direction. Loop the leash handle around your right or left thumb or wrist. Rrelax your arms by your sides. Keep your hands close to your body. Hold the leash as far down as possible without putting any tension on the collar. Fold the extra accordion style in whichever hand is most comfortable.
Practice on-leash in different rooms inside your home this week. Next week, do it outside with more distractions.
There is no hand signal for Controlled Walk.
The non-verbal cue is your foot moving forward. It is helpful if you leave on the same foot each time.
This is the end of Week 2 Controlled Walk homework.
Please wait until Week 3 to do Week 3 steps.
Week 3
When out for a walk, your dog can walk in front of you as long as the leash is loose. Still keep your leash hand against your body.
Give your dog permission to stop and sniff throughout the walk with a cue such as "go sniff" or "free dog".
Week 4
About Turns are useful if you need to move your dog away from something quickly, such as a loose dog, cat, or squirrel.
TROUBLESHOOTING
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At this stage in training, you should be taking a lot of steps before the leash begins to tighten. If not, check this list to find out why.
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Is your dog being rewarded for pulling? Every step forward on a tight leash is like giving a piece of chicken and saying "Good job, keep doing that!" Stop walking and take 3 steps back if the leash gets tight. Reward faster and more frequently for loose leash.
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Is your dog too wound up? Exercise them a little bit before the walk with a game of fetch or tug. Have them Sit and Wait to have the leash attached and before opening the door.
Week 5
TIP: If your dog is super interested in something and tries pulling toward it, use it as a training opportunity! As long as it is safe to approach, walk toward it. If the leash tightens, take 3 backward steps and start again. The only way to get to it is with a loose leash!