The Art of Leash Handling

A leash is so much more than a tether.

It is easy to take the leash for granted, to see it as just a device that keeps the dog attached to us. Used well, it is a communication tool, a safety net and a way to give the dog exactly the freedom or structure the moment calls for.

Good leash handling is a foundational skill that affects everything else in training, and in our relationships with dogs. Whether your goal is a quiet walk or top competition, resolving behavior issues or building a solid foundation, leash handling is where your values as a trainer show up in your hands.

Humane training is built on a promise: to use the leash, collar, harness and other equipment as gently and clearly as possible, without fear, pain or coercion. This course builds the handling skills that let you keep that promise.

Enroll Now with the Intro Price of $99!

Good Hands

In the horse world, having “good hands” is high praise - hands that are sensitive, tactful, responsive and timely in the use of leads, reins, long lines. A lot of emphasis is placed on developing these skills. Yet this same important skill is often left out of many dog trainers’ education. 

Suzanne’s decades of experience and her emphasis on teaching leash handling has helped countless handlers develop good hands. In turn, the dogs benefit from maximal freedom and choice as appropriate, are never caused pain or distress, and – along with the handler – can maintain physical and emotional balance.

The leash is a fail-safe, not the primary means of control. What truly matters is the mental and emotional connection between handler and dog. Excellent handling protects that connection and makes room for it.

Why Should You Learn the Art of Leash Handling?

Build the skills to keep your promise.

WHAT SKILLED LEASH HANDLING GIVES YOU AND YOUR DOG:

  • Keeps everyone physically safe
  • Avoids the long-term impact of pulling (for dog and humane
  • Supports the dog
  • Reduces frustration and pulling
  • Promotes connection, mind-to-mind rather than physical coercion
  • Allows humane, clear communication
  • Helps avoid inadvertent signals to the dog


WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

  • Stay balanced, responsive, safe & secure. Learn how, why and when to use various leash holds with good mechanics.
  • Give the dog what the moment needs. Effective use of the leash from a crowded doorway to an open field.
  • Give your hands landmarks they can feel. Magic Knots and color-coding provide useful feedback.
  • Know what to do in tough moments. Stop forward motion while staying balanced, regain control, and move the dog out of a hard moment calmly and safely.

WHO THIS IS FOR?

Anyone who wants to take their leash skills further.

For professionals, leash handling skills are critical. They show in every session you run and every client you coach, and even the best training plan can be undermined by poor leash handling.

IF YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL

IF YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL

• Become a more effective trainer. Help your clients become more effective and feel safe with secure holds, balanced stances and practical techniques.
• Gain skills. you can add to classes or private sessions, with coaching points, handouts and an experienced eye.
• Learn to communicate effectively without pain, fear or compulsion, reducing arousal, frustration and reactivity.

IF YOU ARE A HANDLER

IF YOU ARE A HANDLER

• Feel more confident. Secure holds, balanced stances and clear plans for tough moments give you confidence on your end of the leash.
• Become more effective. Learn leash handling mechanics, the common mistakes to spot, and specific things to do.
• Help your dog stay calmer. A tight leash increases arousal, creates frustration and can feed reactivity. Quiet, precise leash handling stops you adding to the problem.

Course curriculum

    1. 1.1 How to use this course

    2. 1.2 Leash Handling: An Overview

    3. 1.3 What the Leash is For

    4. 1.4 Where to Start

    5. 1.5 Preparing to Teach Leash Handling

    6. 1.6 Download Leash Handling Skills Assessment

    7. 1.7 Suzanne Talking Through Stance and Balance

    8. 1.8 Reflect and Check

    9. DOWNLOADS Everything in One Place

    1. 2.1 Download Handler Habits Worksheet

    2. 2.2 What Do Your Hands Do?

    3. 2.3 Your End of the Leash: Handler Body Language

    4. 2.4 Your End of the Leash: Breathe

    5. Reflect & Check You Understanding

    1. 3.1 The Two Handed Hold

    2. 3.2 The One Handed Hold

    3. 3.3 Stance and Balance

    4. 3.4 Practice Without Your Dog

    5. 3.5 Download: Leash Handling How To

    6. 3.6 Download: Leash Handling Quick Reference

    7. Reflect & Check Your Understanding

    1. 4.1 Leash Positions

    2. 4.2 Changing Leash Positions

    3. 4.3 Holds and Leash Positions in Action

    4. 4.4 Which Position? Scenario Practice

    5. Reflect & Check Your Understanding

    1. 5.1 Landmarks: Magic Knots and Color Coding Your Leash

    2. 5.2 Color Coding Your Leash: Step by Step

    3. 5.3 How To Create and Use Magic Knots

    4. 5.4 Download: Magic Knots How-To

    5. Reflect & Check Your Understanding

    1. 6.1 Troubleshooting Leash Handling

    2. 6.2 Download: Troubleshooting Leash Handling

    3. Reflect & Check Your Understanding

About this course

  • $99.00
  • 48 lessons

ARE YOU READY TO LEARN THE ART OF LEASH HANDLING

Leash handling is an art, and where a trainer's values show in their hands. Learn Relationship Centered Training holds, positions and quiet, precise handling that keeps your promise: no fear, pain or coercion.

Become a better handler, owner, trainer.

$99 (USD)
Enroll Now

You will have a year's access to the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a course in leash handling skills, a critical piece of teaching loose leash walking. A dog cannot pull against a cloud. A dog needs something to pull against, and handling skills change what is on your end of the leash.

This course will give you the skills that allow you to better work with dogs, and clients. Courses for trainers often focus on skills for the dogs, but this course focuses on building you up and making you look more professional.  

No. This course is for anyone who wants to refine their leash handling skills. Good leash handling is fundamental to effective work with every dog.

• A 6-10 foot leash (not retractable)

• A 15+ foot long line (optional)

• A comfortable collar or harness appropriate for the dog

• Optional: colored electrical tape to mark leash positions and create visual landmarks

• A quiet area for initial practice without distractions

Practice without your dog first, until movements are smooth and automatic. You may attach the leash to something, or have a friend play the part of the dog.

CEUs are currently pending.

If you already own the Reactivity Repair Kit, you already have this material.

You will have a year access to the material.

This course includes written lessons, videos, previously recorded webinars, handouts and worksheets. You can work through it on your schedule, and enroll at any time.