This series of three levels of classes is designed to help you and your dog learn to respond to leash pressure by slowing down, turning, stopping and walking alongside you while keeping the leash loose. As you progress through the class sessions, you will learn how to walk your dog up and down stairwells; on trails; through crowds; while passing or walking behind other dogs; and past distractions. You will also learn to tether your dog while you walk away or out of sight.
Note about reactivity: These classes are not suitable for reactive dogs. Dogs that are reactive to people or dogs require a different kind of training environment so that they feel safe and comfortable enough to learn. If your dog is reactive, please seek help for force-free reactivity training. Thank you for being a kind and caring guardian of your dog.
Note about equipment: If you have an extreme puller, we may suggest and help you with a head halter or specialized harness. In the first session of LLW Level 1, we will help you evaluate equipment needs and determine whether your dog prefers food or toy, and we will help you to manage how to handle your dog and the leash with food or toy reward.
Loose Leash Walking Class Program
Instructors: Lisa Holt and Brittney Ducote
Loose Leash Walking Level 1
Congratulations on taking the first step of walking your dog with a leash that is comfortable for you and your dog. This six-session weekly class is designed to help you and your dog learn to respond to the leash, so that your dog learns that leash tension is a cue to slow down, stop, turn with you, or return to you. The class will take place outdoors while under cover.
Loose Leash Walking Level 2
Congratulations on reaching the next level of Loose Leash Walking. In this six-session weekly class, you will build on what you learned at Level 1. You will also learn to tether your dog and walk away, walk up and down stairwells, through doorways, and walk past other dogs and people. You will also learn how to turn those leash cues in verbal cues, so you can practice walking with your dog as if there is no leash attached.
Loose Leash Walking Level 3
In this final six-session weekly class, you and your dog will work with walking with other dogs and people, and walking past other distractions such food or toy items or people sitting on the ground, etc., and you will put everything you learned in Level 1 and Level 2 together so that you and your dog work together as a team. You will even learn and practice to walk leash free and learn some freestyle moves to help keep your loose leash walking fun for you both.