What If The Hidden Source Of Your Dog’s On Leash Chaos Begins BEFORE Your Walk Does? #318 #podcast

Many dogs start spinning, barking, or rushing when the leash comes out or you head toward the door, but what if the hidden source of that on leash chaos actually begins earlier than you think? In this episode, I’m sharing how to uncover what is reinforcing your dog’s unwanted behaviors and how to build calm, connected exits using simple conditioning strategies and games so every walk begins with confidence and connection rather than chaos and pulling. 🐾Key Episode Moments: 00:00 Why Dogs React Before the Walk Even Starts. 01:08 Real-life example - why a dog runs to agility equipment without being asked. 01:43 Leash triggers and “the thing before the thing.” 03:52 Building a positive C.E.R. for touching the leash. 06:03 The connected Collar Grab game. 06:51 Adding the cue “connect” for reliable check-ins. 07:28 Creating connected exits at low distraction levels. 08:43 Using toys, bowls, and movement to grow focus. 12:12 Building a simple S.O.P. for every walk. In this episode you’ll hear: - Why “follow the money” reveals the real reason your dog is getting overexcited. - How picking up the leash becomes an emotional trigger and how to change it. - What a positive conditioned emotional response (C.E.R) looks like for walk prep. - How to turn the Collar Grab into a powerful connection tool. - How to build distraction-layered, connected exits inside the house first. - How to create small daily “moments of connection” that build great habits. - How a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) makes every walk calm from the start. - Why a connected walk begins long before you open the door. Resources: 1. Podcast Episode 16: The Thing Before Your Dog’s Thing - https://youtu.be/L2n5xGBuVhE 2. YouTube Playlist: Help For Dogs Jumping Up and Excited Greetings: Creating Calm with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3KQXSC-3IzEdBgBetrl2YP&si=VfdPaAqO4mRgJs7i 3. Podcast Episode 18: 4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition - https://youtu.be/HmKUv7pQYQU 4. Podcast Episode 176: Why Your Dog’s Emotions Are A Critical Element Of Dog Training - https://youtu.be/zT1mzPhmGdo 5. Podcast Episode 24: Distraction Intensity Index: Help For Dogs Who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, And Neighbor’s Cats - https://youtu.be/Z9hXKLCK0Cg P.S. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you get notifications of new videos! - - - - - - - Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team. Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years. A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained. Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 132 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn. - - - - - - - Our Website: https://dogsthat.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGarrettDogAgility/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SusanGarrettDogsThat/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dogsthat LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dogsthat Pinterest: https://pinterest.ca/dogsthatcom/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/susangarrett There’s always something new happening at Dogs That, so if you’d like to be the first to know, visit our website, register to receive updates, and we'll keep you in the loop. https://dogsthat.com