Transitional Leash

If your trainer recommends that you utilize your Transitional Leash™ as part of your program at Happy Tails, you’ve taken the step to get your dog to learn to embrace a calmer state of mind!

The Transitional Leash™ helps to jump start to our advanced obedience programs where we begin by getting the mindset where we want before we start teaching formal obedience (defined as the ability to communicate with our dogs).  At each step of the process, we are working on improvements toward relaxation.

The goal while utilizing the Transitional Leash™ is to create a calmer, more balanced dog.  When dogs are in an amped-up, aroused or adrenalized state of mind, you’ll see worse behaviors come out (jumping, pulling, mouthing/biting, barking, selective hearing).  This state of mind can also lead to anxiety and aggression.  Our goal is to give you the tools, education and knowledge on not only WHY we want a calm dog but also HOW.   When the tool is being used, you’ll be able to better manage out-of-control behaviors.  With patience, practice and consistency, over time you can begin to see positive shifts in personality (paired with management techniques as well).

Most clients contact us because they have obedience issues – ie: bad manners, selective hearing, running away, and/or general ‘not listening’ – therefore, most clients are initially looking for ‘formal obedience training’.  But a lot of these issues are caused from the dog being in an adrenalized state of mind so pairing both the Transitional Leash™ with formal obedience training, you’re investing in the ULTIMATE solution to accomplish your obedience goals, as well as help your dog’s mindset get to the right place.

The Transitional Leash™ is a non-corrective program that does not begin to curb poor manners UNLESS the Transitional Leash™ is attached and the owner is holding it.  With consistent practice and follow-through, over time the goal is to see bad manners dissipate.  Because we are not using corrective tools or a corrective approach, owners will need to diligently work through the process to see results.

CLICK HERE: The Transitional Leash – Theory, Application, Technique & Introduction

CLICK HERE: Learn how to put the Transitional Leash on (starting at 1:58)

USE:

Use your Transitional Leash™ ANY TIME that you need added control:

• When people come in the door (or door bell rings)
• On walks (dealing with excitement, chasing, pulling or reactivity)
• In the yard
• When they see other people or dogs and can’t contain their reaction

Stop & pressure up anytime your dog loses control, becomes amped up, over-stimulated, adrenalized and/or reactive.

Wait for calmness before moving forward!

MANAGEMENT:

The Transitional Leash™ is a management tool.  So you’ll use it anytime you lack control.  When you can’t be controlling your dog’s decisions (until they begin to make good decisions on their own), ALWAYS use your crate to manage.

PRACTICE CALMNESS:

A calm frame of mind reduces anxiety, stress, reactivity, lashing out, hyperactivity 

• Movement is easy, stillness is hard
  • Push your dogs to relax. You’ll see a better state of mind
• Practice Duration Work
  • Lots of “stay” for long periods of time
  • Long place holds
• Avoid purposefully “amping” your dog up 
  • This encourages the adrenalized state of mind that leads to worse behaviors
• Walk slow
  • Slow paces are harder for your dog and increase focus
  • Fast walks energize and adrenalize