[Day 31] Leash training for dogs: Orientation towards humans & "Next" signal

Basic obedience: Day 31 of 56

This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

Dogs love to explore their surroundings. As a dog person, you know how important it is for your dog to focus on you instead of constantly going its own way. A well-trained dog that is orientated towards you can discover the world together with you and learns what is desirable and what is not. This is exactly what we want to achieve with today's exercise: orientation towards the human and the "next" signal. Both rituals are simple but effective tools to strengthen leash control and build a better connection between you and your dog.

Goal: The dog learns that it makes sense to orientate itself towards you because you find great things. On the "Next" signal, the dog will keep going, no matter what it is doing.


Equipment : : Harness, Long Leash, special treats (other than the ones you use during exercise), distractions (e.g. food toys, toys etc.), treats


Location: Low-stimulus indoor environment, later outdoors


Duration: Regularly during the walk


Strengthen orientation towards people

A dog that is orientated towards you reacts to your movements, regularly looks after you and always remains attentive. This orientation strengthens the bond and ensures that your dog does not go off on its own explorations. But how do you achieve this?

The key is to show your dog that there is always something exciting to discover in your neighbourhood. Instead of luring the dog with food, he should learn that you are the source of the best discoveries. This will motivate your dog to follow you and focus its attention on you. This is where the game "The Discoverer" comes into play.


Game: "The explorer"

Dogs are curious by nature, and that's exactly what we can use for our training. In the game "The Discoverer", you show your dog that it makes sense to orientate himself towards you because you discover the great things. Crouch down, hide a treat and observe the spot. Your dog will react curiously to you and come to you. The aim is to show him that he can find great things in your neighbourhood, which strengthens his orientation towards you.

This game is easy to integrate into your walk and doesn't require much preparation. It's fun and promotes the bond between you and your dog at the same time.


The "Next" signal

The "Next" signal is a kind of cancellation signal that tells your dog to stop its current activity and move on. Whether your dog is dawdling, sniffing at something unpleasant or an encounter is getting too intense - the "Next" signal ensures that your dog focusses on you again.

The "next" signal teaches your dog that it is worth moving away from a stimulus quickly because he will be rewarded for doing so. Training begins in a low-stimulus environment and gradually becomes more difficult as different stimuli are added. It is important that your dog understands the signal well and that it can be used in everyday life.

An example of training: You place a food toy on the floor, lead your dog past it and give the "Next" signal when he tries to turn towards the toy. Praise and reward follow when your dog responds to the request. Over time, you can use the signal on walks, in parks or on the street to interrupt unwanted behaviour.

Junghund wird mit einem Leckerli im Fuss gelockt

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Summary

Your dog's orientation towards you and the "next" signal are two valuable tools that will help you in everyday life with your dog. Through simple rituals such as the "discoverer" game and targeted training of the "next" signal, your dog will learn to rely on you and remain attentive. Integrate these rituals regularly into your walks and you will see how quickly your dog's ability to walk on a lead improves and the bond between you and your dog is strengthened.

This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

The authors: Paulina & Lui

Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves entirely to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.

From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.