06/26/2025
๐พ Heidiโs Leash Walking Adventures! ๐ถโจ
Our sweet Service Dog in Training, Heidi, is making PAW-some progress with her leash walking! ๐๐ช
Itโs not perfect yet, but weโre working on it with lots of love, patience, and treats! ๐ฆด๐
Training takes time and tons of repetitions, but weโre so proud of how far our girl has come!
๐ Oh, and guess what?! Heidi turns ONE next month! ๐๐ Can you believe it?!
Want to know how weโre teaching Heidi to walk on a loose leash? Hereโs our step-by-step guide to help your pup strut their stuff without pulling: ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐พ
1๏ธโฃ Start with the Right Gear ๐ฆฎ
Use a comfy harness or collar and a standard leash (no retractable ones!). ๐ ๏ธ
2๏ธโฃ Set Up for Success ๐ณ
Begin in a low-distraction area (like your backyard). Fewer squirrels = more focus! ๐ฟ๏ธ๐
3๏ธโฃ Reward the Right Position ๐
Hold treats by your side where you want Heidi to walk. When she stays close without pulling, say โYes!โ and give a treat! ๐ Positive vibes only!
4๏ธโฃ Stop When They Pull โ
If Heidi tugs, we stop walking. No forward movement until the leash is loose. It teaches her pulling doesnโt get her anywhere! ๐ซ
5๏ธโฃ Change Directions ๐
Randomly turn around or switch directions. This keeps Heidi guessing and focused on us, not that tempting mailbox! ๐ฌ๐
6๏ธโฃ Practice, Practice, Practice! ๐
Short, frequent sessions (5-10 minutes) work best. Repetition is key to building that muscle memory! ๐ช๐พ
7๏ธโฃ Gradually Add Distractions ๐
Once Heidiโs a pro at home, we move to quiet streets, then busier areas. Slow and steady wins the race! ๐
8๏ธโฃ Stay Patient & Positive ๐
Every pup learns at their own pace. Celebrate small wins, and keep it fun! Heidi loves the praise (and treats)! ๐ฅฐ๐ฆด
Weโre so excited to watch Heidi grow into an amazing Service Dog!
๐ Stay tuned for more updates, and let us know your training tips below!
๐๐ฌ ๐พโค๏ธ