Once you’ve taught your dog to consistently walk at your side on a loose leash, by learning my Leadership Walk, you and your dog are ready to expand your horizons.
The “Go On” gives your dog permission to walk ahead of you, sniff the ground and widen their walking territory – without pulling. The “Go On” is perfect for hiking the trails or enjoying a longer walk with a dog that is well-schooled in the more formal Leadership Walk.
Both the Leadership Walk (dog behind your toes) and the “Go On” (dog allowed to walk ahead and enjoy the scenery) have clear and enforceable boundaries and limits. The “Go On” boundaries are just a little further out.
4 Rules of the Go On
- It is by permission only
- Dog must keep the leash slack within the boundaries you have defined
- Dog must return to your side immediately when asked
- It is only used when surroundings are safe to do so
Here’s how to teach the “Go On”
- Always start your walks with the strict Leadership Walk rule of “toes behind.” Enforce this rule, when necessary, with a quick snap of the leash and reposition the dog next to you, with their toes behind yours.
- When your dog is walking politely on a strict Leadership Walk and where appropriate, say to your dog in a happy voice, “Go On” and motion with your arm to walk ahead as you relax your leash. Your dog may not immediately respond, but by allowing them to walk ahead without correcting them, they learn pretty quickly they can move out when they hear “Go On”.
- Decide how far ahead you want to allow and keep your leash or cord at that length.
- When the dog reaches the end of your leash or cord, give a snap, to signify that’s as far as you will allow.
- Occasionally, call the dog back to your side and reward them. (Great way to practice their “Come” command!) Either send them back out, or keep them in a formal Leadership Walk, depending on the situation.
Because you are clearly defining a new spatial boundary for your dog, instead of pulling you down the road or trail when not on a formal Leadership Walk, the “Go On” will have your dog relaxing with you politely – exploring and enjoying the space you have allowed on this command without a struggle.
Enjoy!
