Basic Dog Training Online Course
Section 7: Come & Leash Manners
What You Will Learn:
This section addresses the very important issues of coming when called and walking politely on leash. These behaviors build on Section 5’s Foundation Behaviors, in particular name recognition and watch me. You should have a good start with the Foundation Behaviors before moving on to these exercises. While not required, it is also helpful to have a good start with Section 4’s Impulse Control Exercises before moving on to this section.
If you are looking for a well-trained dog, then coming when called should definitely be on that list. In regard to a well-behaved dog, consider the dog who keeps track of you and checks in without you asking. While we certainly want a dog who comes when called, if you have a dog who checks in and keeps track of you, you need to use your “Come” cue a lot less! For our dogs to earn their off-leash privileges, they must check in voluntarily with us in addition to coming when called.
For leash manners, this is one where a well-behaved dog is really beneficial. A well-behaved dog will walk on a loose leash without frequent reminders. A well-trained dog should walk nicely as well, but often needs to be cued to walk nicely (whether using a formal Heel or a looser Loose Leash Walking cue.)
Handouts: The handouts below are in PDF format. Please click to open. You can save them to your device if you wish.
Video (below):
- Come
- Come: Importance Of Reward
- Come With Distractions
- Loose Leash Walking, Part 1
- Loose Leash Walking, Part 2
- Loose Leash Walking Long Line
- Loose Leash Walking Demo (Loose Leash Walking With A Short Line)
What to do:
Set your dog up for success by making things easy to start. Gradually raise your expectations. These behaviors generally take a lot of repetition over time to develop reliability through a variety of distractions. Do not expect to perfect these behaviors in a few weeks’ time.