Week 7: Dog learns Acceptance
The tab, and light line are unique in their simplicity. The “tab” is nothing more than a six-inch loop, fabricated from a piece of soft yet strong cord, hanging from the running ring of the collar. The “light line” is a piece of strong yet light line. A good example of light line material is BRAIDED NYLON MASONS LINE. You will find it at most major hardware stores. Be sure the packaging defines “braided”, not twisted. You can also use 550 parachute cord which is what I prefer for a dog just learning off-leash. You will need about 100’ of light line. Reserve the rest, we’ll use it later. I recommend a color that will show up easily on ground (dirt) or grass, I do NOT recommend the neon colors as they never soften and become flexible like the regular colors.
Before you start your training, lay the line in an area of low-level distraction (days 1 & 2). Start each training session by working lesson 6, reserving the last 20 minutes of your training session for lesson seven. Special Glossary On-leash: The leash is connected to the collar as usual. Bridging link: The leash is attached to a one-inch diameter loop tied in the light line about 18 from one end. Off-leash: With light line attached to the “Tab”, throw-chain in hand, and leash removed from dog. Back-up line: A 4-6’ light line that is also looped on knot at end of tab and simply tucked into your pant pocket if you are in an area that is not safe or is not fenced.
We will use days 1 & 2 to familiarize you and your dog with the light line, and the concept of pattern training. These two effects will be used to produce reliability beyond contention in your dog. Note that I referred to the light line as an “effect”. The light line is never used as a tool. It is simply a means for preventing the dog from avoiding a correction. Some people are absolutely baffled by the simplicity of this effect and how it is produced; and I mean baffled to the point of useless confusion. Perhaps this is a good time to read chapter XV of the Koehler Method of Dog Training book.
Now that you understand, at least intellectually, the effect of the line; let’s start pattern training the dog. Bring the dog into the area where the line is laid out and tie it to the tab. You will need to tie a “bridging link” (a knotted loop about an inch in diameter), 18 inches down the line. You should now be standing with the dog in the heel position, your leash attached to the running ring of the collar, and a tab hanging from the same ring. Attached to the tab is your light line with a bridging link tied in it 18 (or whatever length is appropriate for you size dog) inches down.
*REMEMBER - this week verbally encourage your dog every time you move forward, "Heel" and for EVERY turn. BE AWARE THE LINE IS NOT A LEASH AND IF YOU ATTEMPT TO USE IT LIKE A LEASH, WHEN THERE IS ENOUGH PRESSURE, THE LINE WILL CUT OR BURN OR MELT YOUR SKIN.
Use all the other tools in your dog training tool kit you have learned to keep your dog in heel position. NEVER LET A DOG LEARN THEY AREN'T IN YOUR CONTROL NOW WITH A LEASH. THE DOG MUST BELIEVE YOU STILL HAVE CONTROL AS YOU TRANSITION TO OFF-LEASH. It is your responsibility to keep your dog within a 6" to 15" heel position AT ALL TIMES.
If your dog is struggling, do Auto Halts so your dog can Sit and be praised. If your dog is lagging or going wide, do an immediate Left About Turn (TC in right hand) and as you pass your dog's buttocks, drop the TC and command "Heel". If your dog is forging slightly, simply drop the TC (TC in left hand) and do a quick Auto Sit. If your dog is not paying attention, do pace changes. If your dog is sniffing, do a Heads-up, while moving, and continue to move. IF you are nervous about working off-leash, work in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area such as a tennis court or anywhere with a fence or wall or boundary. If your dog bolts ahead of you (shouldn't after just doing Recalls with TC in Week 6), step on the line and do an immediate "Fido, Come". You should have TC in hand in case you need it. THINK. Be prepared with your TC in hand, pick an area of low distractions, and an environment where your dog has the greatest opportunity to succeed.
IF the off leash ISN'T working, switch immediately to leash and do some very brisk leash handling, pace changes, turns, Auto Sits, and etc. The point of this week is to transition to off-leash. That doesn't mean you won't have challenges (you will), unexpected distractions (they always show up), and that you won't be confused (you will) as you learn to handle the leash, the dragging line, keep the TC's in hand, remember to verbally encourage AND compensate for whatever your dog does. You are looking for your dog to succeed by remaining within proper heel position while heeling. THIS IS A HARD WEEK as there are a lot of things happening all at once and it is initially confusing. So, make sure where/when you do the light line work (after a good 20 minutes of obedience training on leash) and make every effort to have your dog succeed.
You need to focus 100% on your dog and your handling skills.
Less done well is FAR, FAR better than more done poorly.
Let’s get started. This is where pattern training greatly benefits your dog. AGAIN remember - this week verbally encourage your dog every time you move forward, "Heel" and for EVERY turn. And this week, for each individual training session, DO USE THE SAME HEELING PATTERN.
The point of this week is to 'toggle' between on-leash, to bridging link to off-leash.
Days 1/2, on-leash to bridging link if dog is remaining in heel position. If dog is not consistent to remain in heel position, go back to working the dog on-leash.
Days 3/4, on-leash to bridging link if dog is remaining in heel position. Again, always go back to working the dog on-leash, if the dog isn't consistent at maintaining heel position.
Days 5/6, on-leash to bridging link, dog should be now consistent to maintaining heel position. Now, hook the snap bolt of your leash to your left pant leg, approximately at the same height of your dog's neck and do the same heeling pattern you used for the on-leash and bridging link. Your dog SHOULD believe you still have the leash attached to its collar and maintain good heel position throughout your run thru.
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