Today we're going to talk about something as simple as unclipping the leash – a small detail that can actually make a big difference for your dog. 🐕✨
Many dogs associate the sound of the leash with something either exciting or negative. For some, the click means: "Ouch, now I have to be on the leash 😕 ," while for others it means: "Yay, now I'm free! 🎉 " Both reactions can create unnecessary tension around the leash. In the worst case, the leash can become something the dog associates with something negative, and this can create challenges, such as poor recall.
But luckily we can turn that around! 💡 Instead of the leash causing frustration or stress, we can turn it into something positive. One way to do that is by teaching the dog that the sound of the leash means: "Something great is happening now! 🐾🍖 "
You can try a simple little game:
1️⃣ Click the leash (either when you put it on or take it off) and immediately reward your dog. 🐶💚
2️⃣ Repeat this many times and vary the rewards – it can be treats, toys or a social reward like pats and praise. 🍪🎾🤗
3️⃣ The goal is that your dog will eventually hear the click and immediately look up at you expectantly. 👀💕
When you make the leash a source of joy, you not only build a positive connection to the leash, but also strengthen the relationship between you and your dog. 🥰 The more little games like this, the more joy and trust you create together.
Happy training and happy December! 🎅✨
About Zara Zachariasen from Dog Life
Zara is a dedicated dog trainer and passionate dog owner.
Zara's love for dogs and the relationship between dog and owner shines through in her approach to training. She pays attention to detail and often has a strong theoretical approach to her teaching.
Zara currently works full-time as a dog trainer in her company Hundeliv. Here she shares her knowledge with physical training classes, and as a presenter of webinars, workshops and articles.
Follow Zara on the Facebook page " Hundeliv ," where she shares her own training experiences and reflections.
Advent Calendar with Dog Life | Door 13 - The Sound of Your Leash
Today we're going to talk about something as simple as unclipping the leash – a small detail that can actually make a big difference for your dog. 🐕✨
Many dogs associate the sound of the leash with something either exciting or negative. For some, the click means: "Ouch, now I have to be on the leash 😕 ," while for others it means: "Yay, now I'm free! 🎉 " Both reactions can create unnecessary tension around the leash. In the worst case, the leash can become something the dog associates with something negative, and this can create challenges, such as poor recall.
But luckily we can turn that around! 💡 Instead of the leash causing frustration or stress, we can turn it into something positive. One way to do that is by teaching the dog that the sound of the leash means: "Something great is happening now! 🐾🍖 "
You can try a simple little game:
1️⃣ Click the leash (either when you put it on or take it off) and immediately reward your dog. 🐶💚
2️⃣ Repeat this many times and vary the rewards – it can be treats, toys or a social reward like pats and praise. 🍪🎾🤗
3️⃣ The goal is that your dog will eventually hear the click and immediately look up at you expectantly. 👀💕
When you make the leash a source of joy, you not only build a positive connection to the leash, but also strengthen the relationship between you and your dog. 🥰 The more little games like this, the more joy and trust you create together.
Happy training and happy December! 🎅✨
About Zara Zachariasen from Dog Life
Zara is a dedicated dog trainer and passionate dog owner.
Zara's love for dogs and the relationship between dog and owner shines through in her approach to training. She pays attention to detail and often has a strong theoretical approach to her teaching.
Zara currently works full-time as a dog trainer in her company Hundeliv. Here she shares her knowledge with physical training classes, and as a presenter of webinars, workshops and articles.
Follow Zara on the Facebook page " Hundeliv ," where she shares her own training experiences and reflections.