Using Systems for Loose Leash Dog Walking Instead of Goals
- Lorrie Harris
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Today’s Wag Wisdom Daily Brief
In Wag Wisdom, dog trainer and behavior expert Lorrie J. Harris invites you into a new kind of dog training—one that listens before it leads, breathes before it speaks, and notices the space between behaviors as sacred.
The First Thirty Yards: Where Calm Is Chosen
💔 Problem Theme: “How do I stop leash pulling—without punishment?”
🔥 Opening Scene: The clip clicks, the door sighs open, and the world rushes in—squirrels stitching sparks across grass, a scent-story written on every leaf. Your dog steps into the current, and the leash goes tight as a violin string. Your chest follows. You whisper, “Please, not today.”
Let’s dig in.
🧠 The Body Remembers: Why Those First Steps Matter
The Easy Loose Leash Walk System is essential. Dogs read our bodies—and our odors—more than our words. Elevated human stress scent can shift a dog’s learning and attention. A calmer human state helps engagement. Sniffing itself is regulatory work for dogs. Olfaction is a primary pathway for information and settling.
Do this: Start every walk with a sniff reset. Spend 60–180 seconds on slow, scatter-fed sniffing before taking the first step. This practice drops arousal and turns the “thinking brain” back on.
🐾 Training & Behavior: The Leash as a Conversation, Not a Tug-of-War
Pulling says, “There’s a stronger magnet over there.” We meet it with management (harness, space) and pattern games that make staying near you easy and rewarding. Use differential reinforcement for a slack leash and check-ins. A simple “1-2-3 treat” pattern focuses the brain and smooths the first thirty yards.
🌞 Mindset & Well-Being: You’re Not Late—You’re Arriving Softer
It’s not a failure if you shorten the route or spend half the walk sniffing the driveway. You’re teaching both nervous systems that the walk begins in regulation, not in recovery from overwhelm. Permission: Today, smaller is smarter.
🌀 Dog Psychology & Self-Discovery: The Threshold as Archetype
Every door is a threshold—a tiny rite of passage from “home-body” to “hunter of scents.” Honor it. Stand together at the Gate; breathe, notice, and step when the line between you feels like a ribbon, not a rope.
🌟 Energy & Connection (60-Second Practice)
Breath-Link at the Door: Exhale longer than you inhale twice. Let your shoulders drop. Say, “Go sniff,” scatter four treats, watch the shoulders soften, then whisper, “Let’s go.” That’s your quiet green light.
🧰 Daily Wag Wisdom Exercises
🐶 Parting Tail-Thump
Your calm is the path; I just follow where it widens.
💌 Closing
Want more like this? Walk with me at 👉 www.coachingcaninecompanions.com/online-dog-training-store
Where science meets soul… and every leash leads to love.
With heart, Lorrie J. Harris
Founder, Coaching Canine Companions 🐾
Additional Insights on Loose Leash Walking
Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior
Understanding why your dog pulls on the leash is crucial. Dogs are naturally curious. They want to explore their environment. When they pull, they are often trying to get to something interesting. It’s essential to redirect this behavior positively.
The Importance of Consistency in Training
Consistency is key in dog training. Establish a routine that your dog can understand. Use the same commands and signals every time. This repetition helps your dog learn what is expected of them.
Creating a Positive Walking Experience
Make walks enjoyable for your dog. Use treats and praise to reinforce good behavior. When your dog walks beside you without pulling, reward them. This positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat the behavior.
The Role of Environment in Training
The environment plays a significant role in your dog’s behavior. Busy streets, other dogs, and people can distract your dog. Choose quieter areas for training sessions. Gradually introduce your dog to busier environments as they become more comfortable.
The Benefits of Professional Training
If you’re struggling with loose leash walking, consider seeking professional help. A dog trainer can provide personalized guidance. They can help you understand your dog’s specific needs and behaviors.
Final Thoughts
Loose leash walking is about more than just avoiding pulling. It’s about building a connection with your dog. By focusing on systems rather than goals, you create a more enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. Remember, every walk is an opportunity for learning and bonding.
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