Leash Work

Opposition Reflex

Opposition Reflex refers to a dog’s instinctual response to go against or opposite of any physical pressure.

Pull your dog towards you and they’ll automatically pull in the opposite direction; try to push them away and they’ll automatically push back against you.

This information is useful when trying to teach a dog how to walk on a loose leash. This is also why harnesses are ideal for allowing pulling.

Instead, you should use an appropriate leash and collar with action that tightens and loosens such as a Slip Leash/Collar, Prong Collar, Martingale Collar, Etc. and condition the dog to yield towards/with/into pressure to thus turning pressure off for reward/positive reinforcement.

Typical leash pressure work goes like this:

1) The handler puts a slight pressure on the leash in a certain direction and waits. (The dog typically shows a bit of initial resistance)

2) The dog eventually gives in to the pressure and moves into the leash, thus making the pressure go away.

3) The handler praises the dog and (optional) marks the behavior and gives a reward of a treat or toy.

The treat/toy reward of step 3 is optional because the release of pressure is the initial reinforcement. There is no need for further reward for the system to work.

Conversational Leash Work takes the leash handling one step further.

1) The handler puts a slight pressure on the leash in a certain direction and waits. (The dog typically shows a bit of resistance)

2) The handler feels through the leash that the dog makes a shift in mindset from resistance to cooperation. (The dog doesn’t actually have to move an inch; the shift can be felt in the dog’s muscle tension.

3) The handler actively releases the pressure from the leash, showing the dog that he is listening to her.

4) The dog typically completes the rest of the action on her own, with no tension of the leash.

This subtle change in technique creates a dramatic shift in the outcome of the work. Where traditional leash pressure work is simply a tool to help shape obedience cues, Conversational Leash Work becomes a powerful aid in establishing a relationship of mutual respect, trust and cooperation.

Leash Corrections/Punishment

Leash Work as described above is primarily Negative Reinforcement used for Motivation, Guidance, and Accountability.

However, this pressure and release method is not a very effective way to correct or punish unwanted behavior such as pulling or barking at strangers etc. Leash Work teaches your dog the Mechanics of the leash and how to navigate pressure, while also reinforcing behaviors and building confidence and relationship.

Leash Pressure can be used to motivate or guide your dog into behaviors while also providing clear communication (via pressure/release) between you and the dog.

But it doesn’t punish pulling.

To effectively punish pulling, you want to pop or flick the leash firmly. How firm or hard you need to pop the leash is entirely dependent on the dog, their intensity in the moment, and their understanding of the leash mechanics. If they are pulling and there is tension in your leash, you need to lean in until there IS slack in your leash and then pop firmly until they stop pulling and engage with you. Once they engage with you, mark and reward!

Any time you deliver a correction or punishment, on the leash or otherwise, you should give an alternative behavior afterwards. and then reward your dog for that behavior.

*Example: Dog is pulling, deliver Leash Correction, ask them to follow you, Heel, or give eye contact, mark and reward!

*Not all dogs are the same and not all dogs will respond the same to Positive Punishment and/or Leash Corrections.

*It’s important to understand why your dog is pulling, barking, lunging, etc.

*It is also important that your dog understands what is expected of them and what they are and are not allowed to do before correcting or punishing them as well.

*Incorrect use of punishment can create unwanted conflict between you and your dog.