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:
- Teaches dogs to walk calmly on a leash
- Helps stop 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.
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:
You can cue the eye contact using their name if need be at the start and, as soon as possible, fade out all verbal cues
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. If this does not work please look at Loose Leash Walking.