Want your Labrador to walk by your side, not drag you down the street?
Try these 10 simple tips for loose-lead walking! âŹď¸đž
1ď¸âŁ Reward the good stuff â Every time your dog chooses to walk beside you, reward that with calm praise or a well timed treat - Make them LOVE being next to you!
2ď¸âŁ Start at home â If your dog canât walk nicely in the kitchen, they wonât do it in the park. Practise indoors first, then move outside!
3ď¸âŁ Keep it short & sweet â Loose-lead walking is mentally tiring! Try 5-minute focused sessions rather than expecting perfection on a long walk.
4ď¸âŁ Be unpredictable â Change direction, slow down, speed up⌠Keep them guessing so they learn to check in with YOU, not charge ahead!
5ď¸âŁ Ditch the tension â A tight lead creates resistance. Keep it loose and reward when your dog keeps it that way!
6ď¸âŁ Be the most interesting thing around â Bring their favourite treats or a toy and reward engagement. If youâre boring, the world wins their attention!
7ď¸âŁ Walk with purpose â A confident, steady pace gives your dog clear signals to follow. If you dawdle, theyâll take charge!
8ď¸âŁ Use your voice â Chat to them! Praise when theyâre in the right spot and encourage them to stay close. Your voice is a powerful tool!
9ď¸âŁ Set them up for success â Practise in low-distraction areas first. Asking for a loose lead in a squirrel-filled park too soon is setting them up to fail!
đ Celebrate progress, not perfection â No dog gets it right 100% of the time (mine included)
Small wins = big progress. Keep going, and soon youâll have a walking pro!
đ Which tip are you trying first?
Tell me in the comments! âŹď¸
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Want a calmer, more relaxed Labrador?
Try this simple habit!
One of the best ways to help your dog stay calm in new places is by giving them regular opportunities to just sit and watch the world go by. No pressure, no excitementâjust quiet observation.
Take them to different environmentsâa car park, a busy street, a retail parkâand encourage them to settle while everything happens around them.
But there must be rules!
1) Their bum stays on the floor!
2) No greetings, no fuss, just calm exposure.
This helps them realise that not every person, dog, or movement is for them, leading to a more relaxed, well-adjusted dog in the long run. đđž
Have you tried this with your dog?
Let me know in the comments! âŹď¸
Whatâs the busiest place your pup has successfully stayed calm in?
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Letâs be honestâwalking your dog can sometimes feel like the same old routine, right?
But hereâs the good news: it doesnât have to be!
By adding a bit of structure and variety to your walks, you can make them fun, engaging, and way more fulfilling for both you and your dog.
Here are five super simple ideas to mix things up: đ
đž Sit, wait, and do nothing.
Yes, doing nothing can be powerful! Take a moment to pause during your walk and ask your dog to sit and wait calmly. Itâs great for teaching patience and building focus.
đž Practise recall.
Call your dog back to you a few times during the walk. Make it fun by rewarding them when they come racing back! Itâs a brilliant way to keep them engaged and strengthen their recall skills.
đž Down, wait, and do nothing.
Another pause, but this time ask your dog to lie down and relax. Itâs perfect for helping them practise calmness in a world full of distractions.
đž Learn something new.
Why not use part of your walk to teach a fun new trick or skill? It keeps their mind active and your bond stronger.
đž Calm off-lead time.
If itâs safe to do so, let your dog have some relaxed off-leash exploration. Encourage them to stay close and check in with youâitâs a lovely way to build connection without feeling.
Walks are about more than just exercise - theyâre a chance to train, bond, and create something special with your dog.
Add these ideas to your daily routine, and youâll start to see big results.
Happy walking! đžâ¨
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Socialisation isnât just about playdates or meeting other dogs. Itâs about helping your puppy grow into a confident, well-rounded Labrador whoâs comfortable in new environments, curious about the world, and calm in the face of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and scents.
Take it slow - every new experience should be positive and at your puppyâs pace.
Let them sniff, listen, and explore while keeping things calm and controlled.
Planned introductions to steady, friendly dogs can also help build positive associations.
By focusing on confidence and calmness, youâre setting the foundation for a happy, well-behaved Labrador whoâs ready for lifeâs adventures.
đ§ Want to dive deeper?
Tune into Episode 39 of The Labrador Podcast for all my top tips on socialisation done right!
⨠Remember: itâs about quality over quantity when introducing your puppy to the big, exciting world!
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A reliable Sit-stay that you can call upon when needed is a must for every Labrador.
Whether itâs keeping your dog calm around distractions, staying safe at a busy road, or just giving you a moment of peace, a reliable sit-stay makes life so much easier.
It takes consistency and patience, but with daily practice, youâll see your Labradorâs confidence and focus grow.
Start small, build gradually, and enjoy the benefits of a calmer, more manageable dog on every walk.
Howâs your sit-stay training coming along?
Share your progress đ
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Does your dog turn into a whirlwind during fetch?
Switch it up with a calm and focused version of the game!
Hereâs what to do:
1ď¸âŁ Ask your dog to sit & wait calmly while you place the ball.
2ď¸âŁ Release them only when youâre ready.
3ď¸âŁ Encourage them to return and sit calmly before repeating.
This simple tweak turns fetch into more than just a game â itâs a chance to work on impulse control, calmness, build focus, and strengthen your teamwork.
Ready to try it?
Let me know how your dog gets on in the comments!
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Iâm often asked âhow can I amuse my lab when itâs raining?â â¨
My answer: đ
Pop on your raincoat, slip into your wellies, and embrace the rain!
Youâll discover that rainy-day walks can be just as fun (if not more!) for both you and your Labrador.
â¨While enrichment activities at home are great, thereâs no substitute for fresh air and physical exercise!
Your Labrador needs to stretch their legs, burn energy, and enjoy the outdoors - rain or shine.
Rainy day walks are my favourite.
Do you brave the rain with your Labrador?
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Do your walks feel more chaotic than calm?
Pulling, distractions, or that constant Labrador energy can make it hard to enjoy your time together.
But hereâs a simple tip that could change everything: take a few minutes during every walk to pause.
Ask your dog to sit or lay down, with no expectations other than relaxing and watching the world go by.
This easy âtime outâ can help your Labrador reset, calm frantic behaviour, and even improve their focus.
Itâs a small change with BIG benefits for your dogâand for you too!
Make this a part of your daily walk routine, and youâll see the difference: a calmer Labrador and a more enjoyable walk for both of you.
Try it today and let me know how it goes
#tailsofsuccess #labrador #labradorvideos #labradorreels #labradorpuppy #labradorlove #labradortraining #gundogtraining #gundogtrainingtips #workinglinelabrador #showlabrador #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #dogsinyellow #calmdogs
Does your Labrador rush through gates, fences, or stiles?
Teaching them to wait at boundaries isnât just a safety skill, itâs something that will help promote calmness and lead to stress-free walks.
By pausing and waiting for your cue, they learn to trust you to take the lead and check itâs safe before they follow.
This simple routine helps prevent accidents!
With consistent practice, your Labrador will be waiting patiently in no time, ready to enjoy every adventure safely.
đĄ Have you taught your dog to wait at gates?
Share your experiences đ
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Dog walks shouldnât feel like a battle. đž
If you dread walking your dog and feel like youâre not making progress with loose lead walking, try this:
âď¸ Assess the methods you are using, is it the most suitable for your situation?
âď¸ Teach your dog where you want them to walk and reinforce it every time you go out.
âď¸ Explore lead options and be open minded about which lead you use. Not every lead is suitable for every dog and handler.
If youâre struggling with loose lead walking, donât go it alone. With the right guidance and tools, you can turn your walks into something you enjoy.
Invest in a training session and take the first step towards stress-free walks.
#tailsofsuccess #labradortraining #dogtrainingadvice #labradorpuppy #labradortrainingtips #leashwalking #looseleadwalking #dogtrainingvideo #balanceddogtraining #gundogtraining #positivedogtraining #dogtrainingthatworks #blacklabrador #labradorlove #labradorvidoes #slipleadtraining
Is your Labrador comfortable with boredom? đž
Life isnât always full of excitement, so teaching your Labrador to embrace calm moments is essential. Whether itâs waiting quietly on a walk, resting during training, or simply laying in their bed, these moments matter.
We canât provide constant stimulation, and thatâs okay. Learning to be content with ânothing to doâ helps your Labrador manage their energy, stay focused, and handle the ups and downs of daily life.
Does your Labrador know how to embrace the quiet moments?
Let me know in the comments! đ
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Improving loose leash walking with your Labrador doesnât have to be boring or time-consuming! đž
In this video, weâre using traffic cones in a car park to create a slalom. By weaving around obstacles, your Labrador learns to stay focused and connected with you!
Straight-line walks donât teach your Labrador to think or pay attention, but incorporating objects like cones, trees, or planters into your walks makes a world of difference.
Try this for just 5 minutes a day for a week, and youâll notice your Labrador becoming more engaged and attentive.
Itâs an easy habit that delivers BIG results! đ
Have a go and let me know how you get on in the comments.
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