Practising lead mechanics

• Start in the garden: have your dog sit calmly at your side. Reward with a treat, praise, or short play.

• Walk a few steps. If the lead stays loose, mark and reward immediately. If the dog pulls, stop. Resume forward movement as the reward when the lead is slack.

• Increase challenge gradually: move to low-distraction nearby spots (quiet path, driveway, familiar park corner).

• Keep sessions short and positive. Use smooth, unexpected turns to encourage the dog to check in.