Reinforcing desirable conduct can help minimize leash tugging, as this trainer suggests
Juliana DeWillems' Approach to Effective Dog Training
Juliana DeWillems, the founder of JW Dog Training, has a unique approach to dog training that focuses on positive reinforcement. This method involves rewarding desirable behaviors to shape a dog's behaviour towards what is wanted.
DeWillems, who is well-known for her work, particularly in reducing leash pulling in dogs, suggests rewarding a dog for walking calmly beside her. She rewards her dogs for stopping on cue during a walk, for looking back at her after having a long sniff, and for checking in with her unprompted.
Moreover, DeWillems rewards her dogs for picking up pace without putting tension on the leash, and for doing so because she realizes they're running late. When the dog stays next to DeWillems because they're passing someone, she marks and gives a treat.
DeWillems often posts footage of her walks and rewards desirable behaviors with treats, particularly Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, which tester Isaiah finds suitable for training.
DeWillems uses a clicker to mark desirable behaviors before giving a treat. She advises keeping alert for desirable behaviors when walking a pup to make them more frequent. DeWillems believes that the more you reward what you do want, the less you will get what you don't want.
DeWillems also recommends teaching dogs to walk calmly beside their owner, focusing on loose leash walking and attention to the handler. She advises against focusing solely on what not to do, instead focusing on what to do instead.
Isaiah, a tester, shares that his dog Hayes could and would eat the whole bag of Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats if allowed, highlighting the treats' effectiveness in training.
In summary, DeWillems' approach to dog training revolves around positive reinforcement, focusing on rewarding desirable behaviors to shape a dog's behaviour. This method, when applied consistently, can help decrease the likelihood of a pup pulling on the leash and promote a more harmonious relationship between the dog and its owner.
