Ever wonder how some dogs and their humans can manage to do loose leash dog walking together? You know, where it looks effortless between human and dog as they saunter down the street together. We (as dog parents) have all experienced it, one way or another—dogs straining at the leash, pulling their human in all different directions. There may be a number of factors at play, but often pulling is due to a lack of focus and excitement on the walk. So, answer this question honestly: do you walk your dog, or does your dog walk you? Unfortunately, many pet parents struggle with what is supposed to be a fun activity with our furry friends. If you want to have walks with your dog where the leash is loose and you’re both headed in the same direction, then read on!
Want better walks with your dog? Come and join Nea De Muri’s Loose Leash Walking Skills course. It will show you how to practice loose leash walking skills in parks, down sidewalks and around your neighbourhood. Nea will support and coach you and help you address real world situations that can make loose leash walking challenging.
Leash Walking doesn’t have to be unpleasant.
Why does the dog pull on leash in the first place? It is clear to us that pulling on the leash cannot feel good for the dog. Some little ones pull so hard that they end up choking and coughing. We need to show our dogs that there is another, better, more relaxed way to go for a walk with us. And we’ll also try to understand this question: what does the dog get out of pulling?
Here are the goals of Nea DeMuri’s Loose Leash class:
You will learn how to practice loose leash walking skills in parks, down sidewalks, on busy streets and in other distracting settings. This is when Nea can support and coach and help you address real-world situations that can make loose leash walking challenging.
For this class you will need:
- a walkie-talkie
- 6 foot leash
- a flat collar, properly fitted martingale or harness (You may also bring other types of walking equipment as well but the goal will be for the dogs to learn to walk nicely without them)
- treats/kibble (you will need some that your dog will love even more than scraps they find on the ground)
- a small tug toy
- appropriate weather gear for you and your dog
- poop bags
Some suggested items as well:
- a dog walking belt or fanny pack which you can clip your leash to and carry supplies like treats, poop bags etc.
- a 12′ to 20′ rope/leash
- water for your and your dog
- clicker
Classes are held at Leif Erikson Park where there is street parking and lots of open space for practicing at what ever distance your dog needs to focus. We meet in the park near the intersection of Avenue P North and Bedford Road at 1:30pm on Sundays.
This is an on-going class and you can take as many or few as you like. It’s $25.00 per class and you can pay as you go, purchase several at once or subscribe to!