Begin walking, starting with your left foot. Walk
briskly in a straight line, with confidence in your
movement. Your dog will lose confidence in you if you
wander aimlessly.
Remembering his experience on the long-line, your dog
may walk alongside you fairly comfortably, but the odds
are that since there are now only five to six feet connecting
the two of you, he will react in one of the two following
ways:
1. He will either rush forward past you in an attempt
to keep a tight strain on that leash, or
2. He will hold back and be hesitant to walk with you
at all. After all, this six-foot training leash is new
to him.
If your dog is one that takes off like a marathon runner
in a race, either surging ahead or out to the side in
an attempt to keep the leash tight, simply open your
right hand, release the slack youˆ‚ve been holding in
reserve, and immediately do a right-about turn and walk
in the opposite direction. When your dog is back in
the proper heeling position, give him praise and a pat
on the head with your free left hand. If you have a
small dog, bend over to his level and give him his pat
while continuing to walk.
Each time he surges ahead, release the slack as you
do and definite right-about turn. Without slowing your
pace, pick up some reserve slack and place it once again
in your right hand in preparation for his next heedless
charge. Your left hand is free to reach down and give
him a pat on a head when, and only when, he is in the
proper heeling position. That is, at your left side
with his head and neck area about even with your left
leg. Each time you place the reserve slack in your right
hand, be sure to leave a belly of slack in the leash
between you and your dog.
An Alternative Method For The Introvert
If your dog has an introvert personality, one that
is reluctant to walk with you, you will need a slightly
different method. The introvert dog just doesnˆ‚t quite
understand whatˆ‚s going on with this new piece of equipment
and heˆ‚s as reluctant to get involved as a person being
taught how to play a new instrument. This type of dog
needs a little encouragement and a show of enthusiasm
on your part, and donˆ‚t let anyone tell you any differently.
Use your free left hand to pat your leg as you give
your dog a little talk of encouragement. Use short,
forward snaps on the leash to help inspire your dog
to walk with you. Watch closely as he begins to discard
his reluctance, praise him enthusiastically and warmly.
This shows him three things. First, that you are pleased.
Second, that everything is alright. And third, that
he has made the right decision.
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