Leash around the waist

[Sara & Trix]

Hello everyone! I just wanted to share my progress with Trixi's leash training. I posted a discussion about a month ago about needing tips and advice on training techniques and different collars/harnesses to correct pulling.

As usual, DK members quickly responded with a list of great ideas. I started with the "stop and walk backwards" technique when Trixi pulled and she improved greatly. However, I was finding that sometimes, I was the one that was pulling her, unintentionally. I think this caused some confusion with her. So one day, I decided to wrap the leash around my waist in order to eliminate my unintentional pulling errors and she is now walking better than ever the majority of the time (she still has her occasional awful puppy walks) I think my record is 28 steps before I have to stop, which is a huge improvement. She's now 5 months and if she can keep improving as she has been, I'll be very happy!

We are taking our Level 2 training in late September, where I am hoping to improve her heel position. All in all, she stays beside me because if she walks ahead, the leash tightens and I stop - but we still have a ways to go! I just wanted to share my success with wrapping the leash around my waist. It also makes for a relaxing walk since my hands are free to hold my morning tea :)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Nice work Sara! It is great that you are seeing improvement with her loose leash walking! It seems to be such a challenge for them to understand and accept that concept! Keep up the good work-both of you!

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

woohoo!!! Great news!!! I know how little steps like these make a HUGE difference in life!!! Way to go, Trixi!

[Sara & Trix]

Thanks for cheering me on guys!  It's so funny how excited one can get with these little baby steps :) 

[Kyoko]

I like the tethering option, too! Charlie and I are now working on off leash heeling, and as a process, I tether her to my waist when we go for a walk. I think it visually mocks the off leash heeling for her. Good luck on level 2 training!!

[Bryce P]

Try the Easy-walk harness or the gentel leader face lead system.

[Sara & Trix]

I think can muster enough patience and determination to try straight training for the next few months before trying one of those :) But the harness or the gentle leader is absolutely next on my list - however I have no idea which one to try first.

[Melody & Bruin]

I have been reading some of Dr. Sophia Yin's training books and she uses this method.  Sounds like it is working well for you.  I am going to try it too.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Sounds great!! I may try this with Myla-if she goes with DH or me by herself she is a perfect walker and SHE LISTENS! If DH and I try to take them bothe at one time, Myla HAS to be in the lead and both of them pull like idiots! I don't get it=BUT if Myla is ahead and DH & Chloe are right behind us if we stop they have to stop so maybe it will work. You are doing extremely well if you are using just a regular collar and have progress!

[Sara & Trix]

Tell me about it (and I only have one doodle!).  As soon as DH and I try to walk Trixi TOGETHER, it's like she's never had a collar or leash on before. She does way better one on one.  I am pretty determined to fully train her with a regular collar - but I'm not, and will never, rule out the option of eventually getting a gentle lead or something in the future.  I'll see how she's doing when she's a year old.