Blu, the Goats and Choosing What Happens Next
Here you can see a long smiling leash in action. Blu is an Australian cattle dog and as such he is super interested in … you guessed it ... livestock!
During one of Sara and Blu’s walks, they came across some goats on the road. Blu took a very calm approach. He used the length of leash that he needed and positioned himself very comfortably to take note of what's going on.
This is truly a perfect example of what a long leash can achieve in challenging situations. It allows a dog to move forward or to retreat, but within secure boundaries. A long leash can help in ways that might not be obvious. The effect choices have on dogs' behaviour is quite astounding!
Giving choices is the way forward in dog training and behaviour - and not a second too soon.
Choice is the only cure for fear. Being able to decide what happens next gives a dog the confidence to maybe attempt something she is not sure about. That way she learns about the world and becomes more confident. Being able to choose also means that a dog can postpone that thing that she is still not ready for, until she is. If she knows that she is being listened to and that her decisions are respected, she is most likely going to try again.
If you have ever given your dog the freedom to choose in a long leash like this we would love to hear your story!
If you want to know more about offering choices to your dog we have a blog post exactly about this:
Also, very relevant is how we walk with our dogs using a long leash. Read more here:
Blu during a social walk
