Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett What If The Hidden Source Of Your Dog's On Leash Chaos Begins BEFORE Your Walk Does? #318
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Nov 26, 2025 Discover how the chaos of leash walks may start long before you even head out the door. Learn to identify what reinforces your dog's unwanted behaviors and how to turn the leash into a tool for calmness instead of excitement. Explore the concept of 'follow the money' to reveal your dog's triggers, and practice simple games like the Connected Collar Grab to build a stronger bond. Implement daily moments of connection and establish a Standard Operating Procedure for successful walks—every detail matters in creating a serene experience!
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Anticipation Drives Pre-Walk Chaos
- Dogs get hysterical before a walk because they anticipate the reward that's coming next.
- "Follow the money" reveals that unseen reinforcement fuels the pre-walk meltdown.
Agility Dog Reinforced By Attention
- A trainee's dog immediately ran to agility contacts and the owner repeatedly said "don't".
- Susan used this to show that even verbal corrections can reinforce unwanted behaviors by giving attention.
Counter-Condition Leash Touching
- Counter-condition leash-related triggers by pairing leash handling with food.
- Touch or pick up the leash casually and immediately reward calm behavior to change the dog's emotional response.
