Leash Foundations for Dogs

This was written many years ago when the school was at a facility with cement floors that we could use sidewalk chalk on. Nowadays, our high-tech waterproof floors don’t work with chalk, so we ask our students to stand perfectly still and reward their dog for paws being no more than two feet from the owner’s feet. The chalk circle is really to help the owner recognize distance and engagement. If the pup-parent can see the behavior being offered and reward it every time, the dog begins to understand exactly what is expected of them in this game. These exercises are the basis for leash foundations for dogs, teaching focus, engagement, and walking skills in a fun, positive way.

First Phase: Engagement – Look at Me

1. First, draw a large circle on the floor, approximately 4-6 ft wide.
2. Then stand in the middle of the circle.
3. Now place 3 treats, one at a time on the floor inside the circle.
4. Drop the 4^th treat and wait for your dog to look at you after he eats the treat. Try not to encourage the look.
5. Click the look and then drop a treat. This is engagement!
6. Click and treat every time your dog looks at you.

Second Phase: The Bubble – Return and Look at Me

1. First, stand in the middle of the circle.
2. Then toss a few treats inside the circle to initiate the engagement game.
3. Toss a treat just outside the circle.
4. Click when they come into the circle and look at you.
5. Then drop the treat at all angles outside the circle.
6. Click and treat the dog when they return and look at you.

Third Phase: Let’s Go – Move with Me

1. Play the bubble game.
2. Say “Let’s go!” and then move the imaginary bubble one or two steps in any direction.
3. Click and treat when your dog follows you and comes back into the bubble.
4. Change your direction (only a few small steps to start), c/t for your dog being engaged and returning to the bubble.

Fourth Phase: Let’s Go – Walk with Me

1. Begin walking forward c/t your dog moving with you
2. c/t increased distances IN the moving bubble until you’re able to walk longer and longer distances
   **This exercise is the foundation for leash manners.  Play this game on leash and off in a variety of environments.  If your dog is unable to offer phase one skills move to a less distracting environment.  It just means they’re not ready to offer this skill in THAT environment.

Here’s an unedited video with an enthusiastic Corgi pup learning this skill: https://youtu.be/BlWNqhkk1zI

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