I really like to emphasize reinforcement when the dog is correct and, most importantly, before they make an error.

So really, whatever strategy, I really want to focus on finding ways to reinforce the dog with food or other reinforcers while they are still correct.

So being very proactive about reinforcing the appropriate response rather than always

waiting for a mistake to happen.

Hey guys. Welcome to drinking from the toilet, the podcast for true training nerds.

If you're looking to combine the science of behavior with positive reinforcement philosophy

in real life, you have come to the right place.

I'm Hannah Branigan, teacher, trainer, podcaster, and author of the book, Awesome Obedience,

which you can pick up right now from

clickertraining.com. This week, we're continuing our conversation about that mystical dog

training unicorn, loose leash walking. I know it seems basic, but loose leash walking can be hard

for some folks, a lot of folks. Loose leash walking is often so hard because it really is kind of

the ultimate conflict between human behavior and dog behavior.

We both tend to have agendas and, well, sometimes we play against each other.

For it to work, for that leash to actually stay loose, both members of the team have to be on board,

which means there is a significant amount of training involved on both sides.

So let's stick into that. So as I mentioned once, twice in last week's episode, the most important

factors in teaching loose leash walking are all about the contingencies. Consequences are what

maintain either pulling on the leash or walking on a loose leash. So having true

loose leash walking means you have two major factors, major criteria. One, pulling on the leash

is never reinforced. Not by food, not by greeting other dogs, not by sniffing interesting things

in the environment, not even just by forward motion, continuing the walk.

...