Loose Leash Walking Games

Описание: While you're starting to do more outdoor walking with your puppy, there are some games you can play indoors to help work on your puppy's "focused walking" that you can incorporate into your outings!

What IS Focused Walking?

Think of focused walking like a casual "heel". Your dog should be moving with you and looking up at you, but it's not as strict as heeling. It doesn't matter if your dog is in the perfect position or the left side… they can even look forward a bit. The goal is to have your dog focused and moving beside you while moving.

Focused walking is GREAT for getting your puppy past distractions or in busy areas, but it shouldn't make up your whole walk!

Line Up!

The first thing you'll want to practice getting your dog lined up beside you! Before you start moving with your puppy beside you, you'll need to build value for being beside you while stationary.

Remember: Dogs want to be where cookies happen!!

Lure your dog to your side, then turn them around so you are facing the same direction. Reward with your dog beside you.
Once your dog has been rewarded a few times beside you, say "get it!" or "take it!" and toss a treat to reset your dog. Don't be afraid to mix up what direction you toss the treat!
As they come back to you, lure them back into position beside you
Once your dog is comfortable being beside you, try luring them into a sit, down and stand. Reward each position, and practice having your dog move from position to position while beside you instead of infront of you!
Tips:

You may have to go back to luring the positions! This is normal.
A lot of dogs will try to swing around to face you, because that's where they have practiced! It will take a bit of time for your puppy to get used to doing these positions beside you.
Stop & Go

This game focuses on teaching your puppy when to start moving, and when to stop! This game encourages your puppy to pay attention to what YOU are doing and if you're stopping, or going!! This game will also teach your puppy that you stopping is a cue to sit!

Start with your puppy in a sit beside you
When you are ready, give your puppy a cue that you are going to start moving like "Let's Go!" or "With Me!"
Take a few steps forward, and reward your puppy for coming with you.
After a step or two, stop then get your puppy to sit beside you again. Reward them for stopping.
Repeat!
Advancing:

As your puppy gets the idea, try gradually increasing how many steps you move before stopping. Mix it up! Remember to throw in some easy reps!
Figure 8's

This is a GREAT pattern for teaching your puppy to move beside you!

When your dog is on the outside, they have to speed up a bit to stay with you.

When your dog is on the inside, they have to slow down a bit.

This ebb and flow makes your dog really work to stay beside you!

Get two objects and space them apart from each other. This could be cones, paint cans, chairs, trees… really anything!
Start with your dog sitting beside you
When you're ready to start moving, give your puppy the cue that you're going to go
start moving in a figure 8 pattern
Tips:

Reward your dog often!! Don't be afraid to lure your puppy to start, then fade to rewarding every few steps. Gradually Build up how many steps you move between rewards
Talk to your puppy! Use lots of praise and be exciting!
You can add the "Stop & Go" game to this pattern to mix things up!