Learn / Refresh Core Commands with theScoobylife Pack!
It’s Week 3! How is your At Home Training going? So far we’ve practiced Sit in Week 1 and added Recall (Here / Come) in Week 2!
Keep up the great work! If you’ve gotten behind just keep practicing them both at home, in the yard and on walks! It all adds up! It’s important to continue to practice all the commands as we add new commands each week because repetition and consistency build your dog’s confidence and happiness AND strengthens your bond! Keep going…You got this!
Which brings us to Week 3 – Loose Leash Heel / Walking. You can choose Loose Leash Walking, an attentive Heel or a combo such as a Loose Leash Heel / Walk. This Loose Leash vs Heel Walking article describes the differences and techniques so you can decide which commands and combination of commands you want to teach your dog.
Regarding Ella and Luna, I just want them to walk loosely on the leash beside me with some occasional heel / focus on me for command stints (not pulling in front, behind or to the side). Since both Luna and Ella were basically running wild on a dirt plot before being rescued and knew zero commands (not even how to leash walk) I need both looking at me occasionally for direction and not pulling. Sounds reasonable, eh?
As the Pawrent, our posture should be straight, shoulders back, head up with relaxed arms and little (or more) slack in the leash AND proudly enjoying our stroll! This energy translates to your pups whom we also want to walk head up (not jerking us down sniffing or pulling us to look at something that distracts them)! The best way to achieve this ideal dog posture is with a slip leash or a halti (around the face) – if the slip leash isn’t working. If neither of those work then a Sprenger Collar will work wonders once YOU are properly trained. (Ella and Luna started with the slip leash but Luna is still overcoming fear aggression and is now using the Sprenger collar during walks until we can go back to the slip leash). If you need help,
Enhance your pawsitive energy by keeping your arms loose and relaxed (no tension). It’s easy to tense up because we are concentrating but take deep breaths and remind yourself to be “loose” and enjoy your walkie too! Initially hold the leash short enough to keep your dog next to you. Eventually the goal is to have the leash completely loose full length with your dog next to you! Won’t that be Pawsome?!
Following are some great resources to help you choose what style of Loose Leash / Heel / Walking is right for your fur family.
6 Dog Walking Tips from Cesar Milan
How to Use a Slip Leash (Great tutorial but don’t love the rollerblade / pulling idea at all):
Loose Leash / Heel Walking Tutorials:
Week 3… Ready, Start, Go! Share your photos and videos by emailing mom@theScoobylife.com or tagging theScoobylife on Social Media! Let’s do this Scooby Pack!