[Day 35] Correction in leash training: Effective methods
Basic obedience: Day 35 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.
Avoiding mistakes is always the top priority in dog training, but in reality we often find ourselves in situations where our dog displays undesirable behaviour. This can be particularly frustrating during lead training if the dog pulls on the Leash or completely ignores us. At such times, it is important to show your dog that his behaviour is not leading to the desired result by giving him a clear correction.
But what does a fair correction look like? It must be clear, consistent and painless. The dog must not be unsettled or intimidated, but should understand that a certain behaviour is undesirable. Today we will show you four methods that will help you to give your dog clear signals on Leash in everyday life.
Aim: You will learn different methods to react effectively to your dog's misbehaviour
Equipment: Collar, Leash
Location: Low-stimulus indoor environment, later outdoors
Duration: If required
Correction methods for leash training
The traffic light system: clear signals for better communication
The traffic light system offers a simple and structured way to give your dog feedback during the walk. It helps you to clearly signal to your dog what is right or wrong in every situation.
- 🟢 Green stands for praise when your dog is behaving correctly - for example, when he walks easily on the Leash. A friendly "Nice dog" or "Well done" shows him that he is on the right track.
- 🟠Orange is a warning if your dog is moving in an undesirable direction, for example if he starts to pull. A clear "Ehehe" alerts him to the fact that he is about to do something wrong.
- 🔴 Red stands for the correction when your dog shows unwanted behaviour, such as strong pulling. A clear "No" or "Stop that" indicates that he is now being corrected.
This clear, consistent communication helps your dog to quickly understand what behaviour is desired. Over time, your dog will receive praise more often and need fewer corrections.
"Stop & Go": Interrupt line pull
Leash pulling is a common problem that many dog people recognise. When your dog pulls, he learns that this pull will get him to his destination - a self-rewarding behaviour. The "Stop & Go" exercise helps to break this link.
The principle is simple: as soon as your dog pulls on the Leash, you stop immediately. Only when the dog reduces the pull or orientates itself towards you do you continue. This method can be frustrating at first, as on some days you will only make very slow progress, but it is crucial to breaking the vicious circle of pulling on the lead. Your dog will learn that pulling on the Leash does not bring a reward and will only move on if the Leash remains slack.
ℹ Info
It may be that you will need an incredibly long time for a few metres during this exercise, but this meticulous procedure is important in order to break up the previously learned and self-praising behaviour and to sensitise the leash pull.
Conditioned categorisation: Bringing the dog into position
Sometimes dogs run too far ahead or forget to orientate themselves towards us. This is where conditioned cueing comes into play. With this method, you can teach your dog to correctly re-position itself when you give a signal without pulling on the Leash.
By signalling to your dog with a hand movement or a slight body impulse to move further back, he learns that he is too far in front and needs to move back. It is important that this is done without pressure or force - the dog should simply perceive a body-language boundary and move into position accordingly. Over time, he will internalise the signal and automatically position himself correctly.
Splitting: blocking the way
The so-called "splitting" comes from canine communication and means that you step between the dog and the trigger that causes the unwanted behaviour. This method is particularly suitable for dogs that pull very strongly on the Leash or are so distracted by external stimuli that they ignore their human.
When splitting, you physically block your dog's path if he wants to go in a direction you don't want him to go. This helps to draw your dog's attention back to you by gently but firmly blocking his path. It is important that you act at the right moment to effectively 'wake' your dog and show them that you are also present and taking the lead.
Correntures should...
only take place at the immediate moment of the undesirable behaviour and not afterwards
should be used as little as possible so that it does not lead to dulling
take place on the basis of basic obedience in order to be able to fall back on desired behaviour
fit into an overall concept, i.e. interrupt undesirable behaviour and then offer the possibility of alternative behaviour
be proportionate and adapted to the final consequence of the undesirable action
not be physical or psychological violence
not lead to intimidation
be calculable and announced
be terminated as soon as the dog stops the undesired behaviour
Allow positive emotions again afterwards
You'll find the perfect equipment with us
Summary
Correction is an essential part of training, especially when it comes to leash behaviour. With the right methods such as the traffic light system, "Stop & Go", conditioned categorisation and splitting, you can show your dog what behaviour is desired in a fair and clear way. These methods strengthen your communication and help your dog to orientate itself better and understand how it should behave on the Leash. Patience, consistency and clarity are the keys to success.
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 fully 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.