Leash handling: Day 02 of 35 [Part 03]
This video and training session is part of the Leash Handling Concept, a structured programme to develop leash handling skills 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.
Dog training is an exciting process, but without clear goals it can quickly become chaotic or frustrating. Did you know that people are much more successful with defined goals? This is not only true for us, but also for training your dog. Clear goals help you to structure your training, recognise progress and strengthen the bond with your dog.
Why clear goals are crucial in dog training
Clear goals are the key to successful dog training. They give you and your dog structure, create focus and strengthen your bond. Scientific findings, such as those of the Dominican University of California, show that goal-oriented behaviour is more effective and motivating. But what does this mean for your training?
Without clear goals, training can quickly become chaotic and unproductive. However, if you set yourself a specific goal, such as "I want my dog to respond reliably to the 'sit' command in one week", you will have a clear focus and a basis for planning your training sessions. Instead of proceeding haphazardly, you know exactly what you are working towards - and your dog understands what is expected of him through repetition and clarity.
Goals not only give your training structure, but also help you to make progress measurable. Studies show that recognising small successes activates the reward system in the brain - in both you and your dog. Every visible improvement motivates you both to keep going.
Example: If your dog responds to a command in a low-distraction environment, this is a first success. You can build on this progress by gradually extending the training to more difficult situations.
ℹ Strengthening loyalty through clear goals
Dogs are social animals that benefit from clear structure and communication. If you give your dog guidance with clear expectations and achievable goals, you not only strengthen his abilities, but also your mutual trust. Clear, achievable goals promote the release of oxytocin - the so-called bonding hormone - in you and your dog. This strengthens your emotional bond and creates a positive training atmosphere.
The SMART method: setting goals effectively and realistically
For your dog training goals to be truly successful, it's not enough just to formulate them roughly. You need a clear structure that helps you and your dog to make gradual progress. This is where the SMART method comes into play - a proven concept for defining specific, measurable, attractive, realistic and time-bound goals.
Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
A goal should be clearly and precisely formulated. Instead of simply aiming to improve your dog's ability to walk on a lead, define exactly what this means.
Measurable: How do you recognise success?
A measurable goal helps you to recognise progress. Think about criteria that you can use to measure the success of your training.
Attractive: Why is the destination worthwhile?
A goal should bring you and your dog joy and motivate you both. Think about how achieving the goal will improve your lives.
Realistic: Is the goal achievable?
A goal should be ambitious, but also realistic. Don't overtax yourself or your dog. Start in a low-distraction environment and gradually increase the requirements.
Scheduled: By when do you want to reach your goal?
A specific time frame motivates you to stay on the ball and gives your training structure.
The SMART method makes it easy for you to plan your training efficiently and stay motivated on your way to your goal. It not only helps you to train in a more structured way, but also gives your dog the clarity it needs to learn successfully.
By formulating your goals in a specific, measurable, attractive, realistic and time-bound way, you lay the foundation for harmonious and goal-orientated training - for you and your dog.
Setting and documenting goals: The path to sustainable training success
Setting clear goals is the first step, but success lies in the combination of short-term and long-term goals and written documentation. With a structured approach, you can not only achieve progress, but also keep track and motivate yourself and your dog.
Short-term goals help you to focus on small, achievable progress. They are particularly important for organising individual training sessions effectively and making initial successes visible.
Long-term goals, on the other hand, give your training a clear direction and ensure that you keep track of the entire process.
Why written objectives make the difference
Documenting your goals and progress has several benefits for you and your dog. Studies show that written goals significantly increase the success rate as they help you to stay motivated and focussed.
The advantages of documentation:
- Visualisation: A clearly written goal makes it clear what you are working towards.
- Motivation: Recording progress in writing shows you how much you have already achieved - a real incentive for further success.
- Reflection: By taking regular notes, you can recognise which approaches work well and where you should make adjustments.
💡 Tip
Create a training journal or download our template in which you can record your goals, successes and challenges. This will allow you to keep track of your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
You'll find the perfect equipment with us
Summary
Clear objectives are the key to effective and harmonious training with your dog. They give you structure, create clarity and help you to measure progress. By applying the SMART method - specific, measurable, attractive, realistic and time-bound - you lay the foundation for targeted and motivating training.
The combination of short-term and long-term goals ensures that you quickly visualise small successes while maintaining a clear focus on the big picture. Short-term goals offer a quick sense of achievement, while long-term goals give your training a clear direction.
A decisive factor for sustainable success is written documentation. By recording your goals and progress, you can strengthen your motivation, celebrate successes and reflect on your training process. This will help you to respond to challenges in a targeted manner and adapt your approach if necessary.
This structured and reflective approach not only makes your training more effective, but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Clear goals and consistent implementation will lead you step by step to more success and harmonious walks.
This video and training session is part of the Leash Handling Concept, a structured programme to develop leash handling skills 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.
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[Day 02-Part 02] Understanding the language of dogs: Clear communication for leash training
[[Einleitung] Why dogs pull on the Leash - understanding the causes and successfully training leash behaviour