foundation behaviors for shelter dogs: loose-leash walking
In this video, KPA CTP Sarah Surritt teaches a shelter puppy loose-leash walking. In the beginning, Sarah works on gaining the puppy’s attention, clicking and rewarding first for eye contact and progressing to hand targeting. Once the puppy is following her hand reliably, Sarah begins to train on the move, clicking and rewarding the puppy for being in the desired position (by her side). Note how each time the puppy looks up at Sarah or walks next to her, she offers a reward. The shelter puppy is quickly learning that paying attention to Sarah and walking nicely by her side is a more rewarding experience than forging ahead and pulling. This behavior is sure to make a positive impression on potential adopters searching for their forever companions!
For more information about how to enrich the lives of animals in your care and help them get adopted faster, check out KPA’s Shelter Training & Enrichment course!