Teaching Moka to walk on a loose leash is needed to help her feel more comfortable during our adventures. Loose leash walking is one of the most basic steps in training, but also one of the most foundational that really does affect your relationship with your dog.
I have noticed that Moka can be fearful or other people when they are nearby, even when across the street. Sometimes she only perks up her ears and watches them, but she can also react to them when they pass as she will try to lunge or jump in greeting. For her safety and for others, this behaviour must be corrected. One thing about Moka is she is very food-driven. This should help with her training, as Jindo’s can be difficult to train due to their independent and stubborn nature. I’ve made sure to have some tasty treats on hand to reward her along the way.
Step 1: Choose a leash, collar, or other restraint
I decided to start with a 6-foot leash, a back-up 6-foot leash, a collar, and a harness. Jindo’s and rescue dogs in general are considered high flight-risks. A dog is considered a ‘flight risk’ when they tend to run away from versus towards people when they are scared. They also can startle much more easily than the average dog and they are commonly either under-socialized or traumatized dogs. These dogs can easily slip out of a regular flat buckle collar, and in this case, a
is a good option. A martingale collar looks like a regular collar but has an extra loop that pulls tight when your dog pulls, but unlike a choke chain, the martingale collar has a stopping point and will not close around the dog’s neck. Moka also wears a Ruffwear Webmaster harness. The Ruffwear webmaster will keep Moka safe, as it is very unlikely she will be able to slip out of this harness. I have had dogs that buck like wild horses when they are collared, so it really is better to be safe than sorry. The webmaster harness is also constructed to allow me to lift her while in the harness, which can be helpful when trying to mitigate an interaction with another animal or person that is not going well, or to help her over uneven terrain (or stairs – she really dislikes stairs). According to the Ruffwear website:
“The Web Master Harness is a secure, supportive, multi-use dog harness with handle built for maneuvering and assisting dogs up and over obstacles. Thin, durable foam provides support without hindering range of motion and the high-coverage top panel offers a platform for attaching patches and signage for working dogs. Get a good, secure fit with five points of adjustment, and wear comfortably all day with the padded chest and belly straps.”
If you are looking for a trusted, sustainably-made dog harness, visit the Ruffwear website.
Step 2: Choose the command
It is important to select a word or phrase that the dog will come to expect. This is not a formal command, such as heel, sit or stay. This command will be used each time Moka starts on her walk and signals the start of the outing. I’ve chosen ‘gaja’, the Korean word for ‘let’s go’. Gaja!
Step 3: Managing the ‘stop and go’
When Moka pulls on the leash, my response is to stop immediately and not move. The key to managing this pulling or lunging behaviour is not allowing your dog to move forward when it is doing so. By doing this, you are teaching your dog that the only way to get where it wants to go is by not pulling, and leaving the leash loose, or with some slack. Once Moka leaves slack in the leash, I then again say ‘gaja’ to restart the walk. Repeat, repeat, and repeat until the dog does not pull or lunge. If the dog continues to pull, try switching directions each time until the dog understands that the only way to get where they need to go is to stop pulling and follow your lead. Although Moka’s pulling has been greatly reduced, much like your dog, she will need ongoing reinforcement.
Step 4: Understanding distractions
When Moka and I are outside, I compete for her attention. Cars, people, new smells, and noises, and more. It is a real challenge to keep her focus on me. For me, any time Moka turns and looks at me, I give her praise (good girl, Moka Moka) and offer her a treat. So far, Moka has been responding to these efforts, but it is also an option to use a clicker as part of ‘clicker training’. When your dog's attention turns to you, click the clicker, and give them a treat. Through his action, you are teaching your dog that paying attention to you comes with rewards. As Moka gets better with keeping her attention on me and better understands the outside world, I will slowly phase out the treats by waiting longer between them.
Step 5: Possible problems and reinforcing the ‘no pull’ behaviour
This training can take some time. Moka still becomes frightened, and we have to rewind and start from the beginning. I anticipate it will be a few months before we are able to walk at a good pace together and with her ignoring most distractions. In my experience, there may be times when your dog just won’t pay attention to you. If this happens, walk in the opposite direction, and repeat your command, such as ‘let’s go’, or ‘gaja’. Once you are far away enough from the distraction and your dog is walking without pulling, offer praise and a treat.
Be consistent and positive. In time, I know Moka will get it, and I’m sure your dog will to.
MokatheJindo.com does not sell any products mentioned on this blog, not does MokatheJindo.com endorse or promote and specific products or companies. Any mention of products does not relate to our recommendation of the product in any way and are merely suggestions based on the products Moka herself uses.
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