Loose Leash Manners

With dogs, just like with humans, there are going to be situations that they (and we!) are not ready for... yet. For dogs who are learning to walk loosely on a leash, it's not fair to expect them to walk downtown Calgary on a loose leash on day one of their training. Similarly, for someone learning to read, it's unfair to ask them to start their learning journey by reading Shakespeare.

So, first we manage.

It's not possible to work with our dogs every minute of every day on loose leash walking. So, we do our best to put them in situations where they will succeed. This might mean choosing less busy sidewalks or using a properly fitted harness. That's part of the equation. The other part is that we must intentionally train.

Training doesn't mean just going for a walk and hoping for the best. It means setting aside time to practice, being consistent, and rewarding the behavior we want to see. This might involve short, focused training sessions where we can control the environment. Maybe we start in your home or in your backyard.

It's about building up their skills gradually. Celebrate the small wins, like a few steps of loose leash walking, and gradually increase the challenge as your dog improves. Just like we wouldn't expect a new reader to dive into Shakespeare, we shouldn't expect our dogs to master loose leash walking in one go.

Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key. Remember, managing isn't a cop-out—it's part of a well-rounded approach to training. By managing our dogs' environments and being intentional about our training, we set them up for long-term success.

So, the next time you're out with your dog, remember: manage when you can't train, and train with intention. And if you need any help, that’s what we’re here for :)