Leash Safety Made Easy

Leash Safety Made Easy

25 February 2015 Pet Advice & Ideas (25)

Many pet parents report that problem leash behavior is the main reason they avoid outdoor time with their companion animal. If you’ve experienced these explosive bouts of unruly behavior, stemming from aggression or fear, you know it’s no fun at all. But, take heart, because this episode of Pet Talk addresses these very issues.

In this short video, Dr. Sarah will help you to gain a basic understanding asserting leash control. If your dog can trust that you’re able to handle any oncoming ‘threat’, both of you just might be able to start enjoying the outdoors together … possibly for the first time. Wouldn’t that be lovely!

Be sure to share this video with friends and family, especially if you know that leash reactivity is a pressing problem for them. And, please leave your comments if this Pet Talk episode is helpful to you!

Leash Safety Made Easy

Many pet parents report that problem leash behavior is the main reason they avoid outdoor time with their companion animal. If you’ve experienced these explosive bouts of unruly behavior, stemming from aggression or fear, you know it’s no fun at all. But, take heart, because this episode of Pet Talk addresses these very issues.

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Comments (25) -

  • Rebecca Forrest

    2/25/2015 10:33:20 PM |

    A very interesting perspective showing that behaviors a lot of us pet parents wouldn’t associate with leash problems are, in fact, related. For example, having a dog that lunges at fences or windows is associated with the same kind of behavior on leash.

    I really like the emphasis on distraction from the negative stimulus, encouragement for a correct behavior (such as sitting), and immediate reward.

    Thanks, Dr Saraah!

  • Lori Matthews

    2/26/2015 3:46:30 AM |

    My favorite part of this video was Dr. Sarah discussing YOU, the pet parrent must be in control so the dog doesn't feel he/she has to take that role - brilliant...

  • Connie Todd

    2/26/2015 4:01:18 AM |

    Great information Dr. Sarah!!!  I love the post.  I actually shared it on Facebook.  It is a vary common problem among pet owners.  As a positive dog trainer I get asked those questions very frequently.  Thank you for all you do.  

  • Trish Kelley

    2/26/2015 4:10:17 AM |

    Hi Dr. Sarah,
    We met a few years ago on the cruise!  Watching your videos made even a seasoned breeder of dogs, aware of the importance of training while walking a dog using the Life's Abundance training treats!  I use them to train my young pups between the weeks of 6-8 weeks of life to learn the basic commands of sit and lay down, prior to them going home to their new families, but forget how my grown dogs love these treats and respond so eagerly knowing a treat may be in their future!  Love the "teaching" videos!  Keep them coming!  Trish Kelley

  • vincent salmon

    2/26/2015 4:15:25 AM |

    this was great,great.thanks DR SARAAH

  • Carol Kreppel

    2/26/2015 4:21:09 AM |

    It never really occurred to me the possibility of The pet being in control vs the pet parent being in control. It really brought into perspective a behavioral problem we had with a previous pet. She took her job very seriously and was definitely in control at ALL times to a point that we couldn't get her to stop barking some days. I wish I had seen this video years ago! Well, I know better now and I can pass this on to others.

    Thanks Dr. Sarah!

    Carol Kreppel

  • Stacey

    2/26/2015 4:40:09 AM |

    Great ABC's. thanks for the great advice for getting a certified dog trainers etc.  Great video. Thank you

  • David MInzel

    2/26/2015 4:45:23 AM |

    What a nice, simple approach!  Most dog owners in our neighborhood would benefit from this!

  • Zane Rogers

    2/26/2015 4:57:49 AM |

    Very informative summary of positively establishing the Alpha role with your pet. Then they are comfortable following your lead instead of trying to dominate situations themselves.

  • Gail Venegas

    2/26/2015 7:01:23 AM |

    Thanks Dr. Sarah for some great tips!  Many times in a tense situation we react in a tense and negative way.  Our animals feel that anxiety and react in a similar way.  We need to model a positive and controlled behavior to evoke that in our pets.

    Gail Venegas

  • Steve Reid

    2/26/2015 7:36:48 AM |

    Dr. Sarah

    Leash walking is an issue I have to address with every owner I work with.  It is a frustrating and stressful experience, for both dog and owner.  As a result, many owners simply stop walking their dog.

    I am a firm believer in the importance of a structured walk that is reassuring to your dog (who is fear based reactive) and helps make your dog feel confident in you, and your ability to lead, guide, and advocate on his behalf.

    Thank you for sharing this video.

    Steve Reid
    Certified Dog Trainer
    srdogtraining.com

  • Bill Delay. Rocky Mountain Canine Academy

    2/26/2015 9:05:40 AM |

    I thought the training tips and information will be very helpful for anyone needing some basic advice for training their dog in obedience and doing some problem solving. The video was done in a nice setting.

  • Lynnette Mix

    2/26/2015 10:28:40 AM |

    Those are some great tips. I really like the part about the lunging & barking, not to yank on the leash but to turn around and avoid the problem from getting worse.

    Thank you Dr Sarah. Smile

    Lynnette Mix

  • Debbie Brooks

    2/26/2015 11:04:11 AM |

    These articles are informative and helpful.  I have found during the 13 months I've been a distributor for Life's Abundance, that all the staff and distributors are caring and helpful not only for new distributors and customers, but also for the pets we all love!
    Thank you for wonderful products!

  • Ruth

    2/26/2015 11:51:49 AM |

    Great video as always.  With spring around the corner and lots of walking coming up, this is great timing.  Keep the videos coming Smile

  • Robin S

    2/26/2015 1:39:29 PM |

    Great article with practical advice!

  • Tonya Postma

    2/27/2015 1:29:24 AM |

    I think this was a very informative video to leash walking!! A lot of people do not have good control of their dogs while walking. Thanks for the information I will share this with many people!!

  • Laurie Sullivan

    2/27/2015 5:12:15 AM |

    Very good video on Leash Behavior. I have three small dogs and would love to have some advice on how to get the three of mine to walk nicely together and what kind of leash you would recommend for me to use. Walking three together is a challenge for me, so therefore, I don't walk the as much as I should.

    Also, what is the best way to train them to avoid or ignore distractions, like other dogs walking. One of mine is very aggressive sounding, all 8 lbs of him, and walking him is embarrassing sometimes.

    Thank you Dr. Sarah!
    Laurie Sullivan

  • Amelia

    2/27/2015 7:28:37 AM |

    So glad that you emphasized positive reinforcement.  
    I noticed that you were using a Gentle Leader. I have found that the Easy Walk harness is less likely to tweak my dog's neck. Patience is definitely a key behavior for pet parents.

  • Kim Gardner

    2/27/2015 3:37:07 PM |

    I was on a desert dog walk today and there was a lady whose 9 month old rotti mix puppy was dragging her everywhere, wish I had watched this sooner and I would have passed it on.  Being able to take your dog on a nice walk and have it behave is wonderful and these tips can make it happen, thank you Dr, Sarah

  • Debbie Franklin

    2/28/2015 12:44:54 AM |

    Thanks Dr. Sarah for the great trips on leash training.  I am definitely sharing these with our pet families.  I agree it is important to immediately remove yourself and your dog from a reactive situation during training and allowing the dog to have an opportunity to do something positive, such as sit, provide a reward and praise.

    Thank you again for providing such valued information we can share with our pet families.

    Debbie Franklin
    Wisteria Goldens

  • Megan Smith

    3/2/2015 4:03:43 AM |

    Great points, Dr. Sarah!  I have spent a lot of time working on walking in public with my dogs.  Training with a qualified, positive trainer was the most important step.  After that, I have found the most helpful thing is to make sure that I have my own emotions under control. If I am in a situation that causes me any anxiety or upset, my dogs behavior will reflect it.  I am always working on my own state of mind as well as making sure I don't confuse my dogs with too much verbal stimulus.  

    It takes a lot of consistent work, but walking with your dog is so rewarding that it is definitely worth it!

    Megan Smith

  • Janet Roberts

    3/3/2015 10:47:14 AM |

    Very good information for all pet parents.  Especially using positive reinforcement.  It's SO important for our dogs to get exercise every day and walking nicely on the leash makes it a more pleasant experience for every one.  Thanks Dr Sarah!

  • Janet Roberts

    3/4/2015 1:25:13 AM |

    Thanks for putting this together in a video.  Good info for every pet parent to know and practice!

  • Kat Lane

    1/7/2017 6:08:55 PM |

    Thank you for sharing this info,  I knew I wasn't the only one.  Now I've gain a better understanding why Apollo acts as he does and will work on this as u have suggested and seek out Profesional help if I still can't get him to realize I'm in control and he can relax.

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