Best way to teach good lead manners?

[Dizzy]

I failed lead walking with Bodhi! Fred's going to be a big dog, so need to get this right this time.

So far we're plodding about, clicking for nice heels or eye contact. He's doing ok. Failed huge when Bodhi is there too, as his focus goes completely.

Tips??

 

[stardogs]

I looove the Silky Leash technique!

Here's a good starting point for learning about it: http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/leash-walking/

 

[Linds]

With Didgie what I did was reward for any checking in and she gets praise when the leash is loose and a treat when she's in a loose heel by my side. If she started to pull I would just stop and wait for her to redirect back onto me and the leash to go slack again. Mainly though, I don't care that much about being in "heel" position. That tends to be hard for a dog to grasp when it's such a loose concept.

But what I would do is figure out exactly what you want for him. Do you want him just to not pull? Not to switch sides back and forth, be next to you etc. and whatever you pick be consistent.

 

[Dizzy]

Thanks! Sounds like we're going in the right direction (ha!). Just want no pulling and no brain farts.

I'm sure this will be worked on in ringcraft too, seeing as he might be a pretty boy lol, but want to practice as much as we can.

 

[stardogs]

Keep in mind that conformation shows are going to likely want the dog out in front of you a hair and at a specific body carriage/speed, so loose leash training often needs to be separate from conformation training.

 

[Dizzy]

Good advice, thanks. I have no idea, didn't get him to show, but thought what the hell!