1) Golden Rules
- Loose leash = we move forward . Tension = we stop (statue).
- Plenty of opportunities for success : easy routes at the start, quiet times.
- Ground rewards (slowness) to encourage a peaceful pace.
2) Key Exercises
Stop-statue
Keep the leash taut → you freeze. As soon as the dog relaxes 1 cm → “Yes!” → we start again.
U-turn (happy about-turn)
In a cheerful voice, you turn around and reward the dog as soon as it recovers. This helps avoid traps (smells/dogs).
Knee target
Hand at knee level → target → treat. Serves as a “shortcut” to reposition without pulling.
Calm-down
When stopped (traffic light, intersection), place 2-3 treats on the ground, spaced apart. The dog breathes, lowers its head, and calms down.
3) 10-day express plan
| Day | Itinerary | Objective | Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1–Day 2 | Quiet alleyways | Stop-statue + target | < 6 pull-ups / 10 min |
| Days 3–4 | Park not frequented | U-turn fluid | 3 clean U-turns/output |
| J5–J6 | Moderate sidewalk | Calm-down at the stops | Waiting quietly for 30–40 seconds |
| Days 7–8 | Bicycle crossings | Courtesy bow + target | Ignore 3 bikes/10 min |
| Days 9–10 | Mixed route | Keep leash loose | Keep the leash loose ≥ 70% of the time |
4) Equipment that helps
- Y-shaped harness with front attachment for pain-free redirection.
- Use a cushioned 1.5–2 m length to absorb micro-tensions.
- Treat pouch for quick reinforcement (success rate ↑).
👉 Anti-pull Y-harness · Shock-absorbing leashes · Pouches
5) Common Mistakes
- Walking too long at once → prefer 2 short, successful outings.
- Rewarding late (after he has relaxed) → place the treats on the ground as soon as he relaxes.
- Shoot to reposition → use the knee target and the U-turn.