Better Leash Walks

loose-leash walking

Are you annoyed with the way your dog behaves on leash?

Maybe you are worried about falling, or feeling upset and embarrassed by being dragged down the sidewalk by your dog, who wants to greet people, other dogs, the UPS man, chase squirrels, and so on.  For some dogs, everything that moves is exciting.

Imagine actually enjoying walks with your dog!

the leash is loose and both of you are in sync, moving together like dance partners!

If this seems like a fantasy, it’s not!

Even a dog who zigs, zags, and pulls with determination can be taught to:

  • Check in with you frequently, voluntarily

  • Focus on you when you need to get them from here to there without a fuss

  • Walk, stop, and turn with minimal leash pressure

    By using a comfortable and effective harness and leash (supplied) and learning better leash-handling skills, both you and your dog will be able to achieve:

  • Balance and calmness

  • Connection and focus

  • Pleasant walks together

  • “Our Bernedoodle's leash pulling made walks less than a pleasurable experience. In just a few sessions, Lisa showed us how to better manage the leash and apply key techniques to focus on [us] rather than other dogs, which has significantly improved our walk experience. Thank you, Lisa, for all your help.  You'll see a better behaved Bernedoodle at the St. Michaels and Easton Farmers Markets!”

    HS

Your path to better leash walks with your dog

option 1

Better Walks—Basics

3 sessions: $495

For dogs who pull to go faster, to say hello, or when squirrels appear.

You’ll learn how to get more focus at both ends of the leash, plus the essential leash-handling skills for walking together on a loose leash.

You’ll also learn what to do when pulling happens.

We may try out a new harness and leash (included) ensuring fit, for more comfort and to be in balance—the opposite of pulling.  

option 2

Better Walks—With Challenges

6 sessions: $795 (extra sessions for $95)

For dogs who are pulling with barking, lunging (and worse) directed at other dogs, people, bicycles, etc. It’s scary, and you worry about falling or your dog attacking someone or running off and not coming back. Maybe you’ve stopped walks altogether.

You’ll learn how to focus on each other, better leash-handling skills (trying out a new harness and specialty leash), and an emergency recall, just in case.

We also need to change the emotion driving that behavior (fear or frustration) and reduce arousal so your dog can become calm in the presence of the things that set them off.   

Am I the right trainer for you and your dog?

We are probably a good fit if you . . .

  • prioritize a great relationship with your dog

  • would love for your dog to be calmer and learn how to make good choices on their own

  • want to understand canine body language, to know how your dog is feeling

  • are keen to actively participate in your dog’s learning journey together

  • are eager to learn kind, fun ways to help your dog become well-behaved

We are probably not a good fit if you . . .

  • prioritize obedience, regardless of how your dog is feeling

  • will try anything you saw online that seems to work instantly, including aversives

  • don’t have the time or patience to help your dog learn the skills they need

  • insist on correcting unwanted behaviors instead of blocking them and teaching alternatives

  • don’t want to use food for training because dogs “should want to please you”