09/03/2026
š¾ Before we expect it, we have to teach it.
Todayās training session with this 2-month-old GSP was all about the foundation of loose-leash walking. š
I didnāt jump straight into expecting a perfect heel or a long walk without pulling. Instead, I started by teaching him where I want him to be.
ā”ļø Luring him into position
ā”ļø Adding just a few steps at a time
ā”ļø Introducing a couple of turns
ā”ļø Building his understanding of the walking position and movement
At this stage in his training, the goal isnāt perfection. The goal is clarity, communication, and creating a behavior we can eventually build upon.
Too often, we expect dogs to know what we want simply because we put a leash on them and start walking. But our dogs arenāt mind readers. If we want a specific behavior, we have to teach them what that behavior looks like first.
Once they understand the expectation, then we can start adding duration, distractions, distance, and eventually more freedom.
Foundation first. Expectations second. š¾
