The Dog’s Way Digital Library

Exclusively for our friends at

Logo of Willow & Porter, Made in England, with a paw print in the letter 'o'.

Raise your dog the way that we raise ours.

We know how important it is to create the best initial impression when introducing your dog to a new lead, which is why we’re happy to share our lead work training videos for free, for our friends at Willow & Porter. There’s also a host of other tips and tricks in the video library, many of which are free to watch.

We hope you enjoy.

Our Conditioning Protocol for Figure 8 Leads.

Members Exclusive Preview Video.

In this exclusive members preview, we explore how to condition your dog to a figure 8 lead, in a way that introduces them slowly and gently, building trust and familiarity.

PREVIEW OUR FULL VIDEO CATALOGUE
Featured
Lead Work Techniques | Fundamentals
Lead Work Techniques | Fundamentals

In this video, we explore the fundamentals of lead work - including how to hold the lead and manage your lead length, as well as looking at common systems for asking your dog to walk nicely on a lead.

In this video, we explore the fundamentals of lead work - including how to hold the lead and manage your lead length, as well as looking at common systems for asking your dog to walk nicely on a lead.

We then explore our the three layers of techniques we use for establishing a really healthy relationship with the lead and teaching your dog to walk at heel.

The three principles that we work on when it comes to beadwork are:

  • A healthy relationship with lead tension - understanding the lead as a directional stimuli, not a restraint.

  • A calm, sensible and structured way of holding the lead for a walk in ‘pack drive’ - close to your side in scenarios that require safe and close controlled handling.

  • Developing a ‘follower state’ through the advanced ‘over-under’ technique.

More Free Preview Videos:

Featured
Lead Work Techniques | Fundamentals
Lead Work Techniques | Fundamentals

In this video, we explore the fundamentals of lead work - including how to hold the lead and manage your lead length, as well as looking at common systems for asking your dog to walk nicely on a lead.

In this video, we explore the fundamentals of lead work - including how to hold the lead and manage your lead length, as well as looking at common systems for asking your dog to walk nicely on a lead.

We then explore our the three layers of techniques we use for establishing a really healthy relationship with the lead and teaching your dog to walk at heel.

The three principles that we work on when it comes to beadwork are:

  • A healthy relationship with lead tension - understanding the lead as a directional stimuli, not a restraint.

  • A calm, sensible and structured way of holding the lead for a walk in ‘pack drive’ - close to your side in scenarios that require safe and close controlled handling.

  • Developing a ‘follower state’ through the advanced ‘over-under’ technique.

Figure 8 Leads | Conditioning Deep Dive
Figure 8 Leads | Conditioning Deep Dive

In this video, we do a deep dive into the process of introducing the figure 8 lead to Layla the Border Collie.

In this video, we do a deep dive into the process of introducing the figure 8 lead to Layla the Border Collie.

Leadwork | Figure 8 Leads | Safety, Comfort & Control
Leadwork | Figure 8 Leads | Safety, Comfort & Control

In this video, we discuss the factors that motivate our decisions around the right tools for our dogs - and we look at the benefits of a Figure 8 lead for balancing out safety, comfort and control.

In this video, we discuss the factors that motivate our decisions around the right tools for our dogs - and we look at the benefits of a Figure 8 lead for balancing out safety, comfort and control.

Leadwork | Figure 8 Leads | Conditioning Protocol
Leadwork | Figure 8 Leads | Conditioning Protocol

When conditioning a Figure 8, or other head collars to use for safe walking, there is a protocol that I always follow to make the process as easy as possible.

When conditioning a Figure 8, or other head collars to use for safe walking, there is a protocol that I always follow to make the process as easy as possible. These are the rules I work through with every dog.

  1. Your dog will never accept, or be conditioned to, something painful or uncomfortable.

  2. If an object is not painful or uncomfortable, a dog will still assume that it may present a risk to them, in that it may trap or restrict their free movement or decision making. in these instances, your dog will enter fight or flight. Therefore, it is essential to demonstrate to your dog that they do have free movement and agency to make their own decisions, whilst wearing a new tool. In the early stages, allow them to move freely and practice as many natural behaviours as possible.

  3. “Don’t scratch your Chicken pox” - Your dog should be allowed to move freely, with the one condition being that they do not fuss the lead on their face. Always interrupt these behaviours so that they do not become habit, and so that your dog learns to accept the lead as a normal part of their experience.

  4. Teach your dog to communicate with and control the Sensation - by adding gentle and gradual changes in direction. Your dog should learn that they can release tension by choosing to move and follow you.