Leash handling: Day 02 of 35 [Part 01]
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.
Walking on a lead is one of the most frequently mentioned challenges in dog training. Many dog owners want their dog to go for relaxed walks on a loose Leash. However, this goal often fails - not because the dog lacks intelligence, but because of unrealistic expectations.
Do you expect your dog to run perfectly alongside you after just a few training sessions? Then the reality can quickly become frustrating. Because every new skill takes time, patience and, above all, the right approach.
In this blog, you will find out why realistic expectations are so crucial for your training. You will learn how your dog can make progress step by step and how you can achieve relaxed walking on the Leash in the long term. Ready to lay the foundations for harmonious leash walking? Let's go!
Why realistic expectations are the key to success
Leash walking is a real challenge for many dog owners. We often imagine our dog walking relaxed on a loose Leash after a few training sessions - but the reality is usually different. Dogs pull, react impulsively or ignore our signals. Why is this? It's often not because of the dog, but because of unrealistic expectations.
Studies from behavioural research and psychology show that patience and appropriate goal setting promote both learning and emotional attachment.
1. improved willingness to learn
Dogs that are trained with a structured and stress-free approach show a greater willingness to learn new things. According to a study by the University of Lincoln (2018), non-violent and patient training correlates with improved cognitive performance in dogs. Dogs can respond more effectively to cues when they learn in an environment that is free from pressure and excessive expectations.
Long-term advantage: A dog that enjoys learning remains curious and willing to learn in adulthood, which makes it easier to adapt to new situations.
2. reduction of stress and frustration
Unrealistic expectations often lead to stress in dogs as they feel that they are not living up to their human's expectations. This can reinforce unwanted behaviour such as pulling, barking or insecurity. A study by the Veterinary Behaviourists (2016) shows that dogs that are trained under high pressure show increased cortisol production - an indicator of stress.
Long-term benefit: Realistic expectations promote a stress-free environment in which your dog can learn confidently and respond to challenges.
3. stronger bond between human and dog
Patient training strengthens your dog's trust in you. A study by Nagasawa et al (2015) shows that the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone, increases in both humans and dogs when they work together in a harmonious environment. Dogs that can rely on the calm and consistent guidance of their human develop a deeper bond and a greater willingness to cooperate.
Long-term benefit: A trusting relationship makes life with your dog more harmonious and makes it easier to cope with everyday challenges.
4. sustainable changes in behaviour
Training that is based on realistic goals is more effective in the long term, as it allows for gradual progress that can be consolidated. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends that training builds on small successes, as dogs develop lasting behavioural changes through repetition and reinforcement.
Long-term benefit: Your dog will not only be able to walk on a lead, but will also be more reliable and relaxed in other areas of everyday life.
5. promotion of serenity and resilience
Realistic expectations help you as a dog person to remain calm, as you know that progress takes time. This calmness is transferred to your dog. Research by Overall et al (2013) shows that dogs who grow up in a structured and patient environment develop a higher resilience to stress factors.
Long-term benefit: Your dog will become more resistant to new or challenging situations, be it a busy walk in the city or a visit to the vet.
Dogs are intelligent - and need time
Dogs are incredibly intelligent and adaptable - which is exactly what makes them our favourite companions. But, and this is important: even the smartest dog needs time to learn new things. Training is not a sprint, but a marathon in which patience, regularity and a positive attitude are the most important ingredients.
Training your dog works like learning for humans: It takes repetition to reinforce new behaviour. The following applies:
- Routine creates security: Regular practice gives your dog orientation and confidence.
- Learn in small steps: Break down complex tasks into simple exercises that your dog can understand.
- Time for processing: Dogs process new things primarily during rest periods. Sufficient sleep is crucial for their learning success.
Every little step forward is a success - and should be recognised as such. Instead of waiting for your dog to walk "perfectly" on the Leash, celebrate the moments when he improves:
- Does he stay on a loose Leash for a few seconds? That's progress!
- Does he respond to your signal even when he's distracted? That's great!
These small victories not only motivate your dog, but also you. And they show that you are on the right track.
The big question: Is perfect leash walking realistic for all dogs?
Is it really realistic that all dogs can walk perfectly on a Leash? The answer is yes and no. Yes, because almost every dog can learn to walk on a Leash with the right training. But - and this is crucial - there are individual characteristics and breed-specific predispositions that can influence the way there.
Breed-specific challenges
Many dog breeds have been specifically bred for certain tasks over the centuries. These genetic imprints can affect the dog's ability to walk on a lead and present people with specific challenges:
- Huskies and malamutes were bred for pulling. Their natural predisposition to lead with power makes it more difficult for them to walk alongside you in a relaxed manner.
- Terriers and Dachshunds specialise in independence and hunting behaviour. Their stubbornness and quick reactions can easily distract them from you.
- Livestock guarding dogs such as Pyrenean Mountain Dogs or Kangals are designed for independence and protective behaviour. They were bred to make independent decisions and defend their herd. These characteristics often make them cautious, alert and difficult to control, especially in busy or confusing situations.
The aim should not be to train your dog completely against his nature. Instead, it's about making the most of his abilities without "bending" him. A guard dog may never be completely relaxed walking alongside you in a busy city, but it can learn to orientate itself to you and accept your leadership without being constantly distracted by its surroundings.
ℹ Walking on Leash is not natural
For dogs, walking on a Leash is a behaviour that is imposed on them by humans and contradicts their natural way of life. Dogs are designed to move freely, choose their own pace and explore their environment intensively by sniffing. A Leash restricts this freedom of movement and forces them to adapt to humans.
Social communication is also influenced by the Leash: in the wild, dogs often move in loose social groups that allow them distance and independence. On the Leash, they lack this space, which can make interacting with other dogs more difficult. In addition, they have to learn not to react impulsively to stimuli such as movements or odours, but to control their instincts.
Leash walking is therefore not a natural skill, but one that dogs first have to learn through training. With patience, consistency and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog to internalise this unfamiliar behaviour and make walking on the Leash stress-free.
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Summary
Leash walking your dog starts with realistic expectations and a patient approach. Dogs don't learn to walk on a Leash in a relaxed manner overnight - especially if they are challenged by their natural disposition or breed-specific characteristics.
A husky may never walk perfectly beside you like a Labrador, and a guard dog will always retain a certain independence. But with structured training that builds on small steps forward, you can help your dog to orientate itself on the Leash and cooperate with you without stress.
Realistic goals not only promote training success, but also the relationship between you and your dog. You create trust, strengthen motivation and lay the foundation for long-term behavioural changes. You should always bear in mind that every dog is individual and needs time to learn new things.
The Leash may be unnatural for dogs, but with your understanding, consistency and positive reinforcement, walking on a Leash will become a harmonious experience for both of you. Progress, not perfection, is the goal - and every little success brings you closer to relaxed 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 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.
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[Day 02-Part 03] With clear goals to success: Effective goal setting in dog training
[[Einleitung] Why dogs pull on the Leash - understanding the causes and successfully training leash behaviour