Loose Leash Walking Tips: For the Human (Leash Selection, Handling and Reinforcement Strategies)

[@michaelinejunefrost9437]

Hey Laura! I’m really learning a lot from your videos … now all I have to do is teach my beautiful Sophie. I have a heel challenge though … I’m mobility challenged and do not walk with either a cane or walker very fast. My one-yr old GSD-mixed up pup has to wait for me to catch up … my steps are small and I move slow. When I have to use the walker she “heels” next to the front wheel and not my pants seam - where I want/need her to be. I’ve tried luring Sophie into position by holding treats in my fingers at my side, but I need two hands on the walker, or if I’m having a “good” day and just using a cane, its in my right hand, leash is in the left … but my lack of manual dexterity due to other old geezer issues of severe arthritis and carpel tunnel syndrome in both hands, makes it extraordinarily difficult to manipulate treats in either hand. I do have a halter too, and I’ve had “a little” success with it, but Sophie hates it, and spends as much time rubbing her head/face on mostly me - my walker, my legs, arms, whatever - to try to get it off as she does walking properly. It’s so hard sometimes trying to get around … Laura, do you have any suggestions besides shipping Sophie off for a “board & train” school? That’s hundreds of $$ I don’t have. Thank you for all the fantastic work you’ve done becoming a very skilled dog trainer, for creating and building your business of training doggies and us humans, as well as filming the great-quality, exceedingly high-value videos, and for sharing all this freely (at least real economically affordable) with the world of “poor” puppy parents. Laura - you, Jake, and Coolwhip ROCK! From: June🤠 & Sophie🦮💜

[@DoggyU]

Hey June! So i think in these situations, having peanut butter on a spoon for them to lick in the correct position can be helpful, as most people can figure out a solution where they can hold the handle of the spatula under the hand that is still holding onto the walker. Alternatively, having a tray on the walker that has the snacks and starting this work in a yard or even in a larger room off leash and knocking one of the treats off by your side every time he chooses to heel in the correct position can work. Kind of a modified join up game if you check out that video on the loose leash walking playlist. Also, Pet Tutor makes a wheelchair friendly treat dispenser that might work well in this situation. Finally, I know a board and train was cost prohibitive, but sometimes you can have a trainer come in and do some day training so that they can start the skill, and then you can maintain it. Hopefully one of those options might work for you!

[@kaleigh79]

I have watch so many walking videos and by far this is the best one. No one talks about the touch command being used. So happy I found this Channel.

[@DoggyU]

So glad you found this helpful!

[@CA-kv5wd]

Thank you!

[@DoggyU]

🥰

[@Offishal_Lifestyle]

Really digging this series

[@DoggyU]

I'm so glad!!

[@Offishal_Lifestyle]

@@DoggyU do you happen tp have a link to that silicone pocket? I want to use a Cotopaxi fanny pack I was given.

[@DoggyU]

@@Offishal_Lifestyle so this is the one I use in my Ruffwear bag: amzn.to/3W8mcfa I think it might fit in both, but Im not 100% sure. I also have a smaller version from a different company but it looks like it might not be made anymore.

[@Offishal_Lifestyle]

@@DoggyU thank you I have all of your links in my amazon list so you'll get credit when I buy

[@DoggyU]

@@Offishal_Lifestyle Thanks so much!

[@johnbasedow]

Good info. 💪🏼🐺

[@DoggyU]

Thanks John! Happy Training!

[@funnyfastbunny]

THANK YOU SO MUCH 😭😭😭

[@DoggyU]

You're welcome! :) Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@shiori510]

In a wheelchair, my boys love when I carry carob drops. I shove them off the armrest randomly, it keeps them in the best position and tells them that the best treats come from being in the right place.

[@DoggyU]

Love it!

[@fayejeffries8150]

My son is in a wheelchair so really need my puppy to walk alongside- great idea 😊

[@jessif.]

Very helpful!

[@DoggyU]

Thanks Jess!

[@suedemaio3443]

Really great and useful advice! Thanks Laura.

[@DoggyU]

Thanks Sue! 💜

[@dogdonut]

Wow, after years of holding the leash in the left hand on the left side- it will absolutely be a challenge to switch hands for your method, but am excited to try!

[@DoggyU]

Hey Rachel! It definitely will be a bit of a challenge but give yourself time to adjust and try it out. I highly recommend trying it indoors and with your dog in a sit to start (like in the video). It will take a bit for your hands to do it more automatically but I’ve seen it pay off for loose leash walking training with clients in literally five minutes of work!

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

This is very helpful. It’s interesting that you suggest keeping the tree pouch on the left so that you can do with a dog there and reinforce the position that makes sense. I was always taught to keep it on the right so my dog wouldn’t be focused on it rather than I am I directions or what’s in front of us, bu I think for off harness I will try keeping on the left it will probably help keep her straighter which as you mentioned sometimes it’s taken away from when you use the right hand because then they’re kind of going across body for the food

[@DoggyU]

Note one thing about the treat pouch on the left: it's behind the dog's view kind of closer to your back, but the left hand side of the back, making it out of your dog's view but still in reach. That works the best to avoid your point about focusing on it. Thanks for the comment!

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

@@DoggyU thanks for clarifying, yes that does make sense.

[@vicstaroonie]

Would love some tips on how to train loose leash walking when I walk with a cane. I only have one free hand as the other is on the cane. I also frequently switch the side I use the cane on so would need to teach the dog how to switch sides so they are on the opposite side to the cane.

[@DoggyU]

If I am limited to one hand when training, I would get a waist attachment leash, with a relatively short distance between human and dog, and then when you need to reach for the food, you can drop the leash and reach.

[@InterdyneInternationalK-9]

I didn't know that you had a Horse background. I wasn't aware. I know how I Got Here. But how did YOU get Here from There? (inquiring minds want to know) 🤔 Is that what you are doing in Connecticut ? Fairfield and Ox-Ridge should be right around the corner. 😁 And I'll Agree with you. I just sent somebody to Katrina the other day for some Equipment. She makes Great Stuff and her fitment, hardware, and details are excellent 👌 Cheers, Bruce and Alena. Bonaventure Saddle Club and Stonehenge Farms. 🙄🐾👍

[@DoggyU]

Well wouldn't you know that I have a video for that 😂 Here's a short synopsis of my training journey, that I'm going to be updating soon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moq0hZyInrtsfK8 As far as CT - I grew up here, but nowhere near Fairfield lol! I grew up in central CT, moved to CO, and then moved back. As far as horses - I'd loved horses since I was a child but couldn't afford to be involved until I started riding in college. I got into mounted shooting, which I adored. My husband bought me a horse instead of a ring for our engagement. I rode and competed for 5 years or so on that horse, and then my travel just didn't allow for horse commitments anymore. So now just dogs and travel. So there's my journey in a nutshell :)

[@Offishal_Lifestyle]

Would using a que word like "Yes" instead of a clicker be acceptable? I don't know that I could deal with listening to the clicker due to the auditory stimulation on my part.

[@DoggyU]

You absolutely can use a marker like “yes”. I do find that some dogs respond better to the clicker, but most do fine with “yes”

[@Country_sunflower]

Would you consider having your merch go up to size 3x?

[@DoggyU]

Hey Alisha! So one of the reasons I picked Spreadshop as my vendor was because of the variety in shirt sizing. I have three different shirt designs that go up to 4x. If there's a design you want and I don't have a shirt that works for your sizing, let me know and I'll load it into the store. Here's a direct link to the shirts: doggyu.myspreadshop.com/women+plus+size?q=P38

[@Country_sunflower]

@@DoggyU I see. I noticed after I commented that some go up to 4x. Thank you for the response! 😀

[@DoggyU]

@@Country_sunflower No worries! And like I said, if you have a certain message you want on a certain shirt that Spreadshop offers in the size you're looking for, let me know and I'll get it set up! The other day I had a client of mine's kid who wanted a shirt. I hadn't even thought to put kids stuff in there - it only takes 20 minutes or so to set it up, so it's really no worries if you don't see what you want. You can check out the full spreadshop catalog at Spreadshirt.com I believe :)

[@Country_sunflower]

@@DoggyU awesome thank you!

[@AnimeGamerCreater]

the leather leash says "This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location. Please choose a different delivery location. " i am sad cause theres only 1 buying option

[@Foxnsox23]

I have a question. I’m a larger lady than you. And my dog is a Boston mix so short. Will these leashes still work when doing a crossbody hands free walk?

[@DoggyU]

I would say you'll likely need an 8 ft leash - but I would test it out with a piece of string to see what length is best. Many places can make custom length multifunction biothane leashes!

[@Foxnsox23]

@ thank you

[@kelleywyskiel3478]

This was so helpful! We have training and do well mmmmossst of the time. But walking easier will be helpful. She loves training so the exercises are going to be great. Especially inside on these long boring hot days. Her walks are very early and mostly off leash because hot. Lol.

[@Bmoore295]

Do you have recommendations for how to train this from a wheelchair? Even the kind of leash I can manage while driving my electric wheelchair is different. I am training a small dog, so she doesn't pull a lot or anything. I am just struggling with some of the logistics of giving treats while we are walking. I just don't have enough hands with enough strength/dexterity to make it look as smooth as you do.

[@DoggyU]

I don’t specialize in mobility dogs but I know that Donna Hill (service dog institute) does a really reasonably priced “loose leash walking with wheelchairs” course that might be right up your alley! I think I’ll be taking it this fall too so im better able to answer questions like this :)

[@Bmoore295]

@@DoggyU Thank you so much!

[@largefamilychaos1837]

Any tips for a great Pyrenees female 18 months who doesn't like to eat. The vet says she is underweight and gave her appetite stimulant.

[@DoggyU]

Hey LargeFamily - that sounds like a medical issue that I would definitely take your vet's advice on. I would wonder if there was an underlying condition, and then I would also ask my vet about switching food too. Have you experimented with different brands? Freeze dried kibble? Raw? Again, under the guidance of your vet.

[@Flutterby411]

I love that you also use the variable/multi-function leash. I have a leash averse koolie x BC who is currently in dog obedience training and I was considering switch to a standard leash but you've affirmed that I'm on track...I shorten the leash length for loose-leash walking tasks during class. The instructor hasn't told me not to use it - I'm using it to transition her from wanting to walk ahead of me, to accepting heel position.

[@DoggyU]

Yep I LOVE a good multifunction leash for sure! Happy Training!

[@danawalker9417]

My problem is that I use a walker or elbow crutches because of balance issues due to multiple sclerosis. How do I hold on to either one and the leash at the same time while I'm trying to keep my puppy, who is in training to be a service dog, in a heel position and reward him? Sometimes my puppy ends up wrapping the leash around whatever walking aid I'm using, and I have to untangle the leash to keep from getting pulled to the ground. So, imagine me trying to hold onto the handles of the walker/crutches and the leash, while trying to reach into the treat pouch to reward the puppy all at the same time.

[@DoggyU]

Hi Dana! So there's a couple options. Each person is different and I highly recommend you work with an experienced positive-reinforcement service dog trainer to help with your particular needs. However, some ideas that come to mind are: I would start by doing lots of practice indoors and off-leash to start so you don't have to worry about holding the lead and have your walking down in a safe environment before adding the leash. For the leash, you could use a waist leash or over the shoulder leash so your hands are free. For reinforcement, you could use a squeeze tube of baby food or peanut butter so that you're not having to grab individual treats. Hope that gives you some ideas!

[@AnimeGamerCreater]

can ya link the biothane leash?

[@DoggyU]

you'll find all the leash options here: boldleaddesigns.com/

[@kavitadeva]

Hi Laura, hope all is well, when I first got Finn, my Service Dog in Training he was 8 Months old. I went to a Private Trainer for six months. We did basically what you taught today. Of course your way seems more effective. Any way Finn IS a very big puller on the leash. I watched many Trainers and to be honest all the treating was hurting my back. Finn is a Miniature Schnauzer mix. Finally after much effort and frustration my Trainer recommended a Gentle Leader. The first time He wore it was like a miracle. No more pulling. I would like to be able to never use it because he's not fond of it. But it made my life less miserable instantly. What did you mean by Touch Click Treat? Its the touch part I don't understand. Thanks so much. His Task work is going well. Its hard to train when I am so ill and in Pain. I will get the leash you recommended. Take Care🐾🐾

[@DoggyU]

Hi Kavita! Gentle leaders can be great as a training tool as long as you introduce them slowly and create a positive association with wearing one. To that end, have you tried using peanut butter on a spoon to reward. This is a great method to save your back. The touch click treat was shown as an example on the video. Dog does a hand touch, you click for them touching your hand at your side, then you reinforce. You can also see it done in the video for the "come to heel". If bending is a problem, you could use a target stick for this. Hope that helps!

[@questionablejudgement3137]

Would you ever consider making a video about psychiatric service dogs? Specifically, schizophrenic service dogs? I'm wanting to home train for this but no one really talks about it that I'm able to keep up with like you!

[@DoggyU]

I definitely have a psychiatric service dog task example video in the works. However, I don't have personal experience training a dog for schizophrenia. Do you have specific tasks or topics you're looking for? They may be similar to other tasks I already have videos for.

[@questionablejudgement3137]

@DoggyU I'm not completely, 100% sure what I *need*, as this is a new diagnosis of mine, but I do know possibly training her to "greet" people (real) to help me decipher if the person I'm talking to is real or not would be one that I'd like. I also frequently have (mildly) psychotic breakdowns and hurt myself (sorry if this is dark lol) so I'd like something for that. I'm anxious about teaching her for this but I'd like to try and do it before taking her to a professional and spending money I don't really have. If you're able to do a video about anything psychiatric, that'd be great! You don't have to worry about getting things in it for me, I just need some guides

[@DoggyU]

@@questionablejudgement3137 I have never taught the first behavior, but interrupting self-injurious or repetitive behavior is definitely something you can train for. You just need to make sure it doesn't put the dog at risk. If it does, training the dog to call for help is a better option than physically intervening. While I have some videos on this on Patreon, Donna Hill might have some free resources on behavior interruption that you can check out! She has a great channel too!

[@lisasternenkind6467]

Would you please change your audio settings in the video to make your voice sound deeper? This is sooo hard to listen to, even my puppy is voice reactive with your videos. I really don't want to offend you. Nowadays people tend to not say what bothers them, and just don't watch videos they aren't really comfortable with. But I am interested in your videos and wühlen like to skip them. 😒

[@DoggyU]

Dear Lisa, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that people speaking their mind about my voice definitely isn’t a problem. In fact, people feel that it’s critical to tell me that my voice is too fast, too high, too annoying, too upbeat, or just plain difficult to listen to every. single. day on KZbin. So much so that I often think about leaving the platform altogether and not creating these free and accessible resources for others at all because it’s honestly hard to hear on a daily basis that this thing you can’t change about yourself is such a problem. Thank goodness for the other wonderful, supportive people here who leave exclusively nice comments and who appreciate the free videos I create, and what I bring to the table as both a person and a trainer. It’s only because of those other people that I continue to try to help people across the country and the world with their dog training. So in summary, here’s a video about why I speak the way I do (fun fact: it’s related to my disability). I hope you’re able to use the suggestions in this video to better enjoy my content by modulating the speed or turning off the audio and reading the captions. kzbin.infoO8JEBUdh5bI?si=dBoDeiPzt9KRd4Gp Or just keep your thoughts to yourself, press skip, and watch another less-skilled dog trainer with a voice pitch that’s more to you and your dog’s liking. Best, Laura