Melissa Viera Joins the Summit: Perfectly Relaxed Walks
Coming in June, the Perfectly Relaxed Walks Summit is bringing you five days of leash walking tips from 10 expert dog trainers. Hosted for free by Amanda VanTassel of No Hassle Dog Training, this summit is packed with ideas to help make walks feel calmer and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
As one of the speakers, I’m excited to share some of my favorite ways to make leash walking feel more like a game and less like a chore, even while you’re actively working to improve your dog’s leash manners.
Join me on the first day of the summit for my presentation:
“Using Tricks to Succeed in Your Training.”
Why Train Your Dog to Walk with You Instead of Pulling Ahead?
Teaching your dog to walk politely on the leash is one of the best ways to improve your walks together. Walks are an important form of exercise, mental stimulation, and enrichment for dogs. They allow dogs to experience the world beyond their own yard while spending quality time with you.
Along with teaching a reliable leave-it cue to help prevent your dog from picking things up, and a strong recall in case you need to quickly bring your dog closer while out and about, leash skills are high on the list of important real-life training skills.
It’s difficult to truly enjoy a walk when your dog is dragging you down the street. Over time, if pulling isn’t addressed, dogs often pull even harder as they grow stronger. The good news is that leash pulling can absolutely be improved through practice and positive training techniques, like those discussed during the Perfectly Relaxed Walks Summit.
The Role of Your Body Language
Did you know that tension on the leash often contributes to more pulling? Staying relaxed while still holding your dog securely can make a big difference.
The challenge is that once you’re used to your dog pulling, it’s hard not to brace yourself and hold the leash tightly as if there’s a tornado at the other end. Try checking in with your own body language throughout your walks.
Taking the stress out of training and incorporating tricks, games, and positive techniques that help your dog succeed can naturally change your own body language too. If leash walking feels stressful or like a chore, then tension often travels down the leash and contributes to even more pulling.
Learning how to make leash training more fun and productive through trick training can help. Learn more by joining me on Day One of the Summit.
