Did your dog lean harder on the second rep of last week's game? Does that same lean show up on walks the second another dog goes by?
What you'll learn in this edition: the hidden payday inside your leash, and the move to make the moment you feel the pull.
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Holding him back
Every walk where the leash gives a little is one more lesson that pulling works, and your dog gets a lot of walks.
Last week I told you I built a pull into Jinx on purpose. I did the same with Kirby (my Jindo mix, the one who used to lunge at other dogs).
When I was building his recall, a friend held his collar while I ran away.
He leaned into it. He whined. He dug his back feet into the grass like I was leaving forever. (Very dignified.)
Then the friend let go, and Kirby came FLYING.
That release, the instant her hand let go, was a payday all by itself.
Frustration builds desire towards something
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How the leash pays your dog
Last week, the payday was getting to the tree, the smell, the other dog. But there's a reward even before your dog gets there.
Your dog pulls. You hold the leash. Your dog keeps pulling.
Then something gives. Your dog is strong, the leash slides, or you take that step to keep your balance. The leash goes slack, even a tiny, tiny bit, and your dog just won the tug of war.
And winning feels good. That's a little hit of dopamine, the same rush you get when the vending machine finally drops the snack you shook it for.
You never meant to reward the pulling, but your dog got paid twice anyway: first with the slack leash, then second with getting where they wanted to go.
When there's another dog
Now picture your dog lunging and barking at another dog, their whole weight in the end of the leash.
If the leash gives right then, your dog just got paid for barking and lunging. And oh boy, is that rewarding.
It's the same hold and release that made Kirby fly back to me on his recall. Only now, the prize is the sweet release of the leash (and getting to the other dog).
The upside? Your dog learned it, so your dog can learn something else. You get to step into the role of deciding how the walk goes.
What to do when you feel it
Remember the lean you felt in last week's game? That's your signal.
One thing to try this week 👇🏻
Hold your leash so there is a soft “J” to your dog when your dog is right next to your leg. Too much or too little leash and this exercise won’t work.
The second you feel the first bit of leash tightness, turn 180° and walk the other way. Turn before the leash goes really tight, so there's no tug of war to win.
When your dog catches up to your side, say “good” and pay right next to your leg (rapid fire reward if you can!). If your dog doesn't take food, no worries, don't force it.
Mix it up. Change speed, turn around, pay, or run backwards a few steps so your dog chases you back to your side.
Turning teaches your dog to watch where you're going so they can follow.
It also makes you more interesting than the street.
Key takeaway
Slack is a paycheck. Let your dog earn it by staying with you.
Good dog of the week 🐶
Ludo (German Shepherd x Border Collie mix) having the time of his life on the beach.
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Some ways I can help
Send me a video, I'll give you feedback for free.
Reply to any newsletter with a 30 to 60 second clip or a description of what's going on: a bad walk, a behavior you can't figure out, a sport skill you're stuck on. I pick 2 readers a week and answer them properly.
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That's all for today folks! 🫶🏻
Let's go train some Good Dogs 🐶
P.S. Hit reply and tell me how many turns it took before your dog started watching you. I read every single email.