I need a break! (Picture of a French Bulldog panting on a leash.)
Have you ever heard anyone say “Break” or “Free” to their dog and wondered what they were up to? Is that some advanced command they’re using?
No.
You probably make your dog sit and wait before feeding them, right? Do you say “Okay,” when they’re allowed to go and eat?
Okay is a release command, just like break and free.
Here’s where it comes in handy, besides at the food bowl:
The BREAK command can help you keep this muddy dog from running to your couch. (Photo of muddy runner’s legs standing beside muddy dog legs.)
In Your Front Hallway — Does your dog wiggle while you’re trying to wipe their muddy paws in your front hall? Do they bound away before you’re finished, leaving you feeling frustrated?
The break command (along with sit, stay, give a paw, and stand) helps your dog understand that there are rules in the front hall and lets them know WHEN they are allowed to leave the front hall — it’s AFTER you’re finished wiping them and AFTER you’ve given them the BREAK command, by the way.
This dog is looking for direction from you. This dog deserves a break. (Photo of a terrier looking up at the camera, sitting on a hardwood floor.)
On Your Walk — Do you have a dog that yanks you toward EVERY bush, hydro pole, squirrel, and other dog?
Did you know that the most effective way to fix that behaviour is a more structured walk with built-in breaks? And that it’s actually FUN and easy to learn?
Today, I’m going to teach you how to add more structure to your walk, so that you can save your shoulder, wrist, and back from all that pain.
Walking a dog who is yanking you around isn’t fun. (Photo of a Boston Terrier walking ahead of his owner pulling hard on the leash.)
When I say structured walks are important, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Is it “that sounds like no fun” or “what on Earth is a structured walk?” or “should I be doing that with my new puppy?”
A structured walk is LOTS of fun because it saves you from having your shoulder yanked out of its socket on a daily basis.
A structured walk simply means that you get to be calling the shots, not your dog.
What that looks like — you are now able to stroll down the street, smiling, waving to strangers from a safe social distance, and NOT getting yanked toward every tree, cat, or bicycle that you come across.
Dogs who are in front of their owners and in an excited state can get into fights. (Photo of a Yellow Lab and a Weimaraner puppy yanking on leash to get to each other.)
Here’s how to add some structure to your daily walk:
Drain some of your dog’s physical energy by playing fetch or taking them on a bike ride. Let them have a bathroom break, so that when you begin training the heel and the break command, you’re working with a dog who is ready and able to listen to you.
Start in your own backyard, where distractions are minimal. If you live in an apartment building, start in a quiet hallway or inside your apartment.
Holding the leash loosely in your left hand, get your dog’s attention. You can make a kissy noise or simply say their name, whatever you usually do.
Say what you usually say when you start out for your walk. “Let’s go,” or “Diesel, heel,” will do nicely if you’re looking to try something new. PRO TIP: Do NOT yank the leash when you say this.
This is a great starting position. Notice the loose leash. (Photo of a Golden Retriever puppy sitting politely on leash.)
5. Start walking at a fairly brisk pace. If your dog is beside you, immediately reward them by saying “Good heel.” You are essentially teaching them a new English word: “heel.”
6. Change direction. Did your dog follow you? If so, say “Good heel.” If not, you may need to make the kissy noise again to remind them to focus on you. Reward them once they begin to heel again.
7. You can teach the break command in many different ways. One way that works really well is saying “Diesel, break,” and then tossing a toy or some treats slightly away from you (and letting him go get them.) Be sure to let all the leash tension go when you say “Break,” because you’re teaching him that BREAK means “I get to go do what I want now with no corrections.” Basically you’re letting him go be a dog for a minute. He likes to sniff the ground, pounce on dandelions, roll in the grass — whatever it is, it’s his choice right now. You’re not DROPPING the leash in this step, you’re simply allowing your dog enough slack to roam around a little.
Give your dog time to be a dog during your structured walks. Make sure to give them slack in the leash so they can move about freely. (Picture of a French Bulldog panting on a leash.)
8. The break is over whenever YOU decide it’s over. When you want it to be over, call your dog back (again, don’t yank on the leash, just call for him.) You can ask him to sit, do some tricks, or go straight back into working on your heel and practice another break right away.
9. Dogs learn from repetitions, so the more you practice this, the faster your dog will learn it.
At Beyond Dog Training, we believe that having a dog should be fun. We want you to enjoy every moment with your dog. Hopefully you have fun teaching your dog to heel and have breaks. We know that with some practice, you will be amazing at this and your shoulder will feel much, much better soon.
Have a wonderful weekend, Dog Leaders!
Alyssa
Photos by: Terrance Raper (tired Frenchie,) Janet Smith-Roberts (muddy runner’s legs standing beside muddy dog legs,) Jeffrey F Lin (pulling lab with pulling Weimaraner,) Sarah Wardlaw (Golden Retriever puppy sitting politely on leash,) Margo Brodowicz (Terrier looking up at the camera, sitting on a hardwood floor,) Erik Mclean (Boston Terrier walking ahead of his owner pulling hard on the leash,)