Puppy Stations
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. A work station…. William Faulkner
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What:
Puppy Stations is an exercise Adapted from Steve Mann's circuit walks.
It's an exercise in which you and your dog learn to communicate peacefully when walking on the leash. The dog learns to walk with you on a leash, stopping only at a spot (station) you have chosen and where there is something of value. And you learn how to listen to where your dog wants to go and help them get there with you without the need to pull or lunge.
Why:
- It helps people and their dogs learn to communicate better when on lead without the need for pressure.
- Teaching dogs to walk calmly on a leash helps them learn to trust and follow their humans.
- Helps stop impulse pulling
- Teaches dogs to focus on the handler when out on walks
- It allows dogs that are overstimulated or fearful when outside to learn to follow directions and guidance.
- Helps with issues like leash aggression or frustration.
How:
1. Start by placing three or more bowls of food / Stations 5 to 10 meters apart, in a friendly, calm, open area at home. 2. Bring your dog in on a leash. 3. When your dog gives you Eye contact, say let's go and quickly walk together to the first bowl. Once there, ask your dog to Go Sniff if needed. 4. When your dog has finished eating, repeat step 3 again and then walk together to the second bowl. 5. Once your dog understands that the way to get the rewards is to look at you and walk with you to the reward, repeat this exercise in the front yard and even at your local park.
Tips:
If necessary, you can cue eye contact using their name in the beginning and fade out all verbal cues as soon as possible
Stations don't need to be bowls. They can be toys, objects, trees, benches, etc.
If your dog is constantly pulling, move to a less exciting area, reduce the distance between stations, and use a longer leash so that the dog associates movement with a loose leash. For best results, please also see Loose Leash Walking or reach out.