Week 5 Rescue Dog: Loose Lead Walking & Basic Recall

Loose Lead Walking & Basic Recall

This week, we are focusing on two key skills: loose lead walking and basic recall. These are essential for enjoyable walks and building trust with your rescue dog.

Zeus’s Progress

After his setback at the park, Zeus has been taken back to basics with his socialisation. He is now only interacting with dogs he already knows and is asked to ignore all other dogs while walking, both on and off the lead. This is helping rebuild his confidence and reduce stress.

Excitingly, Zeus is now bringing a ball back during play, though he still doesn’t want to carry it around. This is a great step forward in his engagement and responsiveness!

Loose Lead Walking

Walking nicely on the lead makes walks more enjoyable and reduces pulling.

🐾 How to Teach It:

Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions.
Hold the lead in one hand and treats in the other.
When they walk calmly at your side, reward him frequently.
If he pulls, stop immediately. Wait for him to return to your side before continuing.
Use a cue like “heel” or “let’s go” to encourage loose lead walking.
If he gets distracted, change direction to keep his focus on you.

Top Tips:

✅Reward him before the lead goes tight, reinforcing good behaviour.

✅Keep walks structured – not just letting him pull to where he wants to go.

✅Use a harness if needed for better control.

Basic Recall

Coming back when called is crucial for safety and off-lead freedom.

🐾 How to Teach It:

Start in a Secure Area – Begin in an enclosed space or on a long lead.
Use an Excited Tone – Call their name followed by “come!” in a happy voice.
Reward Immediately – When he reaches you, give a treat, toy, or praise.
Make it Fun – Run backwards, clap, or crouch down to encourage him.
Never Call for Something Negative – Avoid calling him just for the end of playtime or a bath!
Increase Distance & Distractions – Gradually practise in busier areas once he responds reliably.

Top Tips:

✅Use high-value treats or a favourite toy to make returning to you rewarding.

✅ If he hesitates, turn and walk away instead of chasing him.

✅Practise daily, keeping sessions short and positive.

Managing Socialisation & Distractions

Since Zeus is rebuilding his confidence, he is currently only socialising with familiar dogs.

When he sees unfamiliar dogs:

✔️ On-lead: He is asked to ignore them, using the "leave it" command, focusing on his walk.

✔️ Off-lead: He is called away and rewarded for staying engaged with me.

This controlled approach helps him regain trust without unnecessary stress.

Final Thoughts

With consistent training and patience, Zeus is progressing well! His recall is improving, and he’s learning to stay focused on walks rather than reacting to other dogs. Loose lead walking and recall are lifelong skills that will continue to develop with practice.