Umbilical (tether) Training with video

[BG and Gavin]

I often find myself recommending umbilical training to new doodle owners on this site and then I hunt around for bits and pieces of different discussions to explain it.  Gavin’s leash manners have slipped lately (my bad) and he blew off a recall this weekend (also my bad) so it was time for me to practice what I preach, do a little training tune-up and retake my position as Benevolent Dictator (as we like to say).  While we were at it, I made a little video to demonstrate our technique.  Please note that I am NOT a dog trainer (and I am certainly not an actor) I am just demonstrating a technique that I find effective because:

• It is fun and easy

• You do not have to carve extra time out of the day to do training

• It gives your voice a rest

• It is free (no treats used)

• It is effective in getting your dog to attend to you better

• It is a good way to tire out your dog, especially when the weather outside is poor

P.S. On our afternoon walk today, Gavin’s leash manners were right back in the zone and he slept like crazy when we got home.

https://youtu.be/3GjblSiotY8

[Bonnie and Kona]

Linda, Thank you for this awesome video with your sweet Gavin! Your suggestion to tether our whack-a-doodle boy was such a help when he was younger. I wish I had known about it when he was a puppy. We have never had a dog less eager to please, but the tethering made a big difference in his behavior. I hope lots of new dog owners and those with the more challenging dogs will enjoy learning this technique from your video. 

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Bonnie. I remember you using it. So glad it helped :)

[John 'Glas' Smyth]

Thanks BG for the great video-it gives me a bit to think about with the soon to come home puppy. No treats as the dog is in "work" mode.

Bonnie and Kona - I will certainly be utilizing this technique while I am at work-no need for a loose/rambunctious puppy at my workplace; would you recommend starting at 8wks, or a bit later?

[Bonnie and Kona]

Hi John, My naughty "puppy" was 2 years old when I learned this tethering technique from BG. Kona is actually our "old soul" and has been since 8 weeks. Owen is our daughter's dog who lives with us. He has been a whole different story! He's 5 1/2 and we think he might be settling down a bit. ;o)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is such a great resource Linda! Thank you for making this video and sharing it here. 

[BG and Gavin]

You are welcome Karen. I am happy to share if it can help others.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Nice. Thank you!

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for taking a look Leslie.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thank you so much, BG for making this video.  I think this is such a great way to train puppies to be focused on you.  I love that there's no talking or treating during the exercise....it's all about the bond and the focus.

[BG and Gavin]

YVW Jane. The no talking is a powerful tool. I really think we over talk to our dogs and what they hear is similar to Charlie Brown's teacher "blah, blah, blah, blah." Lol.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

https://archive.org/details/PeanutsTeacherVoice

[BG and Gavin]

Lol perfect Karen!