Loose-Leash Walking

Loose-Leash Walking

LOOSE-LEASH WALKING 


WHY TEACH LOOSE-LEASH WALKING? 

Loose-Leash Walking (LLW) is when your dog walks within the length of the leash, rather than pulling at the end. LLW is actually a lot more complicated than we give our dogs credit for! Think about what it takes to walk within the length of the leash: attention to handler, making periodic eye contact, and walking at an unnaturally slow pace for dogs. Being good at LLW is just as dependent on the human's leash skills as it is on the dog’s. 


GET STARTED: THE MAGIC CIRCLE GAME 

  1. Imagine a circle around your body, which stretches 4 feet in every direction. Your dog gets rewarded for remaining within the magic circle. 

  1. Clip a leash to your dog’s collar or harness, and let it drag on the floor.  

  1. Treat your dog for looking at you. 

  1. Take a baby step, and treat your dog for following along, and staying in the magic circle.  

  1. Repeat this as you move around the room. Vary the number of baby steps you take. 

  1. If your dog stays within the magic circle for several laps around the room or house, you’re ready to pick up the end of your dog’s leash. 

  1. Set up your equipment before proceeding. Choose a hand for the leash, and a hand for the clicker and treats. See Training Tips! 

  1. Practice as you did before. Focus on providing a loose leash for your dog. 


BABY STEPS 

  1. Clip a leash to your dog’s collar or harness and let it drag on the floor.  

  1. Treat your dog for giving you their attention. 

  1. Take a baby step, and treat your dog for any movement with you.   

  1. Repeat this as you move around the room, one baby step at a time.  First, walk in a straight line, then a circle, and finally a zig-zag pattern.  

  1. Once your dog reliably takes baby steps with you around the room, pick up the leash. 

    1. Set up your equipment before proceeding: choose a hand for the leash and clicker (if you're using one), and another for delivering treats treats.   

  2. Continue as you were before, now while holding the leash.  Focus on keeping slack in the leash as you continue to treat for movement with you. 

 

TRAINING TIPS 

  1. Start in a low-distraction environment, like your living room or backyard.   

  1. Use a treat pouch. If you have a preferred side for your dog to walk on, wear it on that side for quick treat delivery. 

  1. Give treats at nose level. If you prefer to drop a treat on the ground, be sure to drop them within the circle and wait for your dog to eat them. 

  1. Treat frequently! The more your dog is rewarded, the faster they learn.  

  2. Use a clicker or other marker for super clear communication with your dog. For more information on marker training, see our handout, "Loading a Marker"

  1. Once you have the leash in your hand, be sure not to use it to pull on your dog.  Remember that you’re a part of the loose-leash-walking equation!   

  1. If your dog starts pulling at the end of the leash, stand perfectly still and wait for them to return to the magic circle. Never use the leash to pull them back. 



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