While training loose leash walking to a service dog may not seem to be different from training this behavior to a pet dog, there are some important distinctions. First, service dogs need to be able to walk on a loose leash through an extremely wide range of environments and situations, including while their handler shops in a grocery store or mall, travels by bus, train or air, or navigates a large medical facility. A second difference is the duration. Where a pet dog is usually only walked on leash a few times a day, a service dog may need to walk on a loose leash throughout the day, depending on their handler’s schedule.
In addition to the diversity of environments and duration, the behavior itself is a little bit different. Service dogs walking on a loose leash in public access are usually closer to their handlers in comparison to the way many pet dog owners walk with their dogs. While the exact position will vary, in most cases the service dog is expected to generally be within a foot or two of the handler. From a practical standpoint, the dog should be close enough to the handler so as not to interfere with passersby. Additionally, service dogs need to check in with their handlers frequently in order to be ready to do needed tasks.
While most service dogs will work with a leash that is loose enough to have a curve in it, as pet dogs do, some service dogs need to walk with tension on the leash in order to perform a task like guiding. On the other hand, some service dog handlers may not be able to tolerate any leash tension at all due to issues with pain, balance, strength or other physical differences. In these cases, the dog needs to be trained to match the handler’s pace, never pulling on the leash even in the slightest.
Some pet dog trainers teach an automatic sit when the handler stops walking. An automatic sit is not appropriate for service work. Service dog handlers in line at a supermarket, shopping or living their lives in various situations will stop frequently. Frequent sits can be physically difficult for a dog, and they risk the dog’s coat getting dirty. If the dog is doing any type of balance work, the change of position into a sit may throw the handler off balance. A default stand is taught to service dogs instead.
Fortunately, there are many ways trainers can help service dogs and their handlers with this challenging task.
Training Strategies
- Introduce the leash indoors in low-distraction settings like an empty dog training facility or the client’s home. This allows clients to experiment and see which training accommodations and strategies work best for them in a safe setting.
- When accommodating for clients’ disabilities, it often helps to reduce criteria to very small increments. For example, work on loose leash walking in straight lines for a few steps first before adding turns or increasing distance and duration.
- Using platforms can help teach strong positioning skills. For example, round platforms can be used to teach the dog to pivot when turning and help generalize the skill to adaptive equipment.
- Set up rehearsal opportunities in controlled settings, especially when adding distractions. An indoor training facility is an ideal place to begin working on the more challenging aspects of this behavior so that distractions and other complicating factors can be introduced in a way where the dog can succeed.
- Have a helper hold a second leash as backup if you are unsure if the handler can safely hold the dog. That way the handler can drop the leash if needed and the dog is still safely secured.
- If you are training the dog for the handler in board and train or day training, make sure you adjust your walking speed to match the handler’s.
As is true of many pet owners, owner-trainers often underestimate how long it takes to train loose leash walking. Handlers will benefit from education on what to expect. They need to understand that the dog’s maturity and energy levels impact leash walking. Coaching handlers to meet the dog’s exercise needs before a training session can make it easier for a higher-energy service dog candidate to walk on a loose leash. Trainers can help handlers stay motivated by explaining that this behavior will take a combination of consistent practice as well as maturity.
