Leash control: Day 01 of 35
This video and training session is part of the Leash Handling Concept, a structured programme to develop leash handling skills and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
What if you and your dog could walk on the Leash not just side by side, but in unison? Needs-orientated leash walking is much more than just preventing pulling - it is the path to a deep connection between you and your dog. It's about recognising your dog's individual needs and responding to them before any training takes place.
Dogs are just like us: they need a stable basis in order to be relaxed and ready to learn. If basic needs such as calm, safety and social contact are not met, training often becomes a challenge. But this is precisely where needs-orientated leash training comes in.
In this article, we'll go through your dog's needs pyramid step by step and show you how a targeted approach can not only improve your dog's ability to walk on a lead, but also take your relationship with your dog to a new level.
Your dog's needs pyramid - the basis for harmonious training
Leash training is much more than just relaxed walking with a dog that doesn't pull. It is an expression of a deep connection between you and your dog that is based on trust, respect and clear communication. But why do many dog people find it so difficult to achieve this goal? Often the answer lies in a misunderstanding of the dog's needs.
A dog whose basic needs are not met will be stressed, insecure or overexcited - conditions that make effective training difficult. Needs-orientated leash training starts right here: It's about understanding your dog's natural needs and integrating them into everyday life and training.
Leash training is much more than just relaxed walking with a dog that doesn't pull. It is an expression of a deep connection between you and your dog that is based on trust, respect and clear communication. But why do many dog people find it so difficult to achieve this goal? Often the answer lies in a misunderstanding of the dog's needs.
A dog whose basic needs are not met will be stressed, insecure or overexcited - conditions that make effective training difficult. Needs-orientated leash training starts right here: It's about understanding your dog's natural needs and integrating them into everyday life and training.
Basic physical needs: The foundation for everything
Just like us, dogs need a stable foundation consisting of the elementary basic needs. These include
- Proper nutrition: High-quality food that is adapted to your dog's individual needs.
- Fresh water: Constant access to clean water, especially important in hot weather or after exercise.
- Sufficient exercise: walks and games that give your dog the opportunity to burn off energy.
- Rest and sleep: An adult dog needs 16-20 hours of rest per day. Sleep is crucial for processing experiences and well-being.
- A comfortable resting place: A safe, quiet place where your dog can retreat.
Neglecting these basic needs often leads to stress and undesirable behaviour such as pulling on the Leash. For example, dogs pull and bark at the Leash more often because they are in pain than because they are intolerant of other dogs.
Safety and leadership: the basis for trust
Dogs are social animals that live in group structures. In your everyday life, you are your dog's most important social partner. This also means that you have to take on a clear leadership role in order to give your dog a sense of security.
A dog that feels secure is less likely to take the initiative and charge at other dogs, for example. You can achieve this security by:
- Consistency: Clear rules and boundaries that give your dog guidance.
- Security and trust: A calm, confident demeanour that shows your dog that you have the situation under control.
- Rituals and daily structures: Recurring routines that help your dog to find his way in everyday life.
However, leadership does not mean dominating your dog. It's about guiding him with respect and clarity - just like a confident leader would do in a group of dogs.
Social contact: Why closeness and interaction are essential
Dogs are social creatures that naturally seek closeness to others. Your dog not only needs interaction with you, but also - depending on its character - with other dogs of the same species. However, not every dog is equally sociable. It is important to consider your dog's individual needs:
- Relationship with you: Joint activities such as walks, play or training strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
- Social contact with other dogs: Not all dogs have a strong need for contact with other dogs. While well-socialised dogs often enjoy the interaction, other dogs feel more comfortable if they can keep their distance. It's important to respect your dog's individual preferences and give them the opportunity to decide for themselves whether they want contact - and always in positive and safe circumstances.
Did you know that the hormone oxytocin is released during harmonious interaction? It promotes bonding and well-being - for you and your dog!
Appreciation and ego needs: Why respect and motivation are so important
Every dog has individual ego needs that must be fulfilled in order to be happy and balanced. These include experiencing success, feeling respected and being able to move freely within clear boundaries. Dogs want to be appreciated. They enjoy being praised for good behaviour and benefit from clear communication. This means:
- Praise and reward: Use targeted food, play or petting to encourage desired behaviour.
- Rules and freedom: A dog that knows clear boundaries feels safe and can move freely within this framework.
- Avoid excessive demands: If exercises are too difficult, this can lead to stress and uncertainty.
- Prevent boredom: Tasks that are too easy quickly lead to frustration or disinterest.
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Summary
Needs-orientated leash training goes far beyond the technical ability to lead your dog on a Leash. It is based on understanding your dog's individual needs and integrating them into training and everyday life. Your dog's needs pyramid shows how important it is to address all levels: from basic physical needs such as food, rest and exercise, to safety and social bonding, to appreciation and motivation.
By giving your dog clear rules and boundaries, you give him orientation and security. At the same time, giving him freedom to move independently and make decisions within this framework is an important part of his ego needs. Through positive reinforcement and fun training, you will not only improve your dog's ability to walk on a lead, but also your relationship.
A confident and empathetic dog person is the key to a relaxed and happy dog. Your calmness, consistency and clear communication give your dog the confidence he needs to orientate himself towards you. This not only improves your dog's ability to walk on a lead, but also makes your everyday life more harmonious and stress-free.
Leash training is not an isolated goal, but the expression of a healthy and balanced relationship between you and your dog. With a needs-orientated approach, you lay the foundation for trust, respect and enjoyment - on walks and beyond.
This video and training session is part of the Leash Handling Concept, a structured programme to develop leash handling skills and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.
From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.
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[Day 02-Part 03] With clear goals to success: Effective goal setting in dog training
[[Einleitung] Why dogs pull on the Leash - understanding the causes and successfully training leash behaviour