Training Course Lesson 03

Lesson 3

Holding the leash

Place the lock side of the lead on the ground and hold with the left foot. Slip the thumb of the right hand into the loop of the six-foot lead then loop again so that the lead falls loosely next to your leg on the right-hand side.

Another way to hold the leash is to loop it around both hands.

Practice a quick pull and release (tug) to the side. The pull can be either to the right or to the left. Never pull up.

Working with the Dog

To work with the dog on the leash, place a choke chain on the dog in the "P" position. Be sure the chain is high up on the neck. There should be about 2-3" of slack at the loop. If there is more, the chain is probably too long.

When working with the dog on leash give:

Command

Tug

Signal (tap the side of your left leg to let dog know where to position)

Praise (only if dog responds)

Repeat the process if the dog fails to respond

Begin the lesson with the dog on your left-hand side, with the leash in front of you, held in the right hand and down on the side by your right leg. Give the dog the "Heel" command, tug, signal, and praise as you slowly begin walking. You may pet the dog's side of the head if he stays near your side. You may also give verbal praise.

If the dog begins to stray as you are walking, give a verbal command of "ugh, ugh". If he responds, praise the animal. There is no need to tug. If he does not respond to the verbal command, say "No" and simultaneously give a quick tug, signal the dog's position, and praise him when he responds. If the dog strays to the left, the tug should be to the right; if the dog walks in front of you, tug to the left.

Right Turn About

As you approach the corner with the dog at your side and the leash held loosely, quickly make a right turn allowing the dog to move a few feet ahead of you. As you command "Heel", gently tug, signal the dog's position, and praise.

Stay or Leave your dog

On your walk, with the leash held loosely, stop walking and give your dog the "Sit" command a few feet before he reaches the location you want him to be. DO NOT TUG! As he sits, position yourself so that the dog is on your left-hand side. Hold the leash in your left hand. Give the dog a verbal stay command and the hand signal for stay using your right hand. (The hand signal for stay is the palm held upright.) Pivot around so that you are facing your dog. Let the dog stay from 30 seconds to one minute or longer. You may give the signals again if the dog starts to wonder or lie down. If the dog starts to lie down at any time, wait until just before his elbows touch the ground and give the "Ugh, ugh" command. If this does not get his attention, then give the "No" command, tug, and praise when he responds.

Return to your Dog (for me)

To return to your dog after the stay position, pivot around to the right behind and around your dog so that you return to where the dog is situated on your left-hand side. Return the leash to your left hand. Praise the dog if he remained in his stay position. If he releases from his position, start over by getting him to sit in front of you. When you are done with this lesson, tell him, "PLAY, PLAY!"