Leash-Walking Sunday School

This class is geared for anyone who feels they could benefit from a special focus on loose leash walking, or who would like to refine their skills around other people and dogs.

This 4-class series focuses on all things leash-walking. Classes can be taken as a series for $80, or individually for $25 per class meeting. Space is limited to 6 dogs. Individual class dates close to enrollments when filled. 

Week 1: Foundations and focus. This week's training exercises include how to teach your dog "not to pull," including understanding what we do to reinforce pulling, and how we can use the walk as the reward for better leash manners. Training exercises will also include "capturing focus," "watch me," hand targeting for maneuverability, and positioning your dog at your side.

Discussion: Enrichment walks vs. focused leash-walking. How do the rules for each type differ for the dog? How do I decide which to use? How do I communicate my expectations clearly to my dog?

Week 2: Focused Leash Walking, a granular training approach. Using platforms for better positioning. Precision leash-walking. Introduction to Pocket-hand Heel positioning. How to integrate focused leash-walking into your walks: toggling between the enrichment walk and focused leash walking.

Week 3: Turns! Left turn, right turn, emergency u-turn. Expanding the use of platforms to reinforce position and teach wait. Pocket-hand heel check-in: how to progress. Paws up on a bowl and pivot exercises for better hind-end awareness and positioning.

Week 4: Putting it all together. We will have focused leash walking courses and games to practice integrating and applying your new skill set. More leash walking training exercises and games with platforms and pocket-hand heel check-in.

Discussion: How to maintain and grow newly established training. Build loose-leash walking practice into your daily routine. Maintain criteria that matters to you.

Schedule: Sunday mornings at 9 AM

on 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, and 5/28.

Location: Wikazri Canine Sports Field

Prerequisites: This is a Fuzzy Matters Grad School class. It's open to graduates of either Good Dog 101 or Trick Training 101. Dogs must be able to share space safely with other dogs and people.