Course Details
In this workshop, you'll learn how to use leash contact as clear tactile information that helps your dog regulate arousal, make thoughtful choices, and understand your guidance. Much like a hand on someone's shoulder offers direction without force, the leash can become a subtle, meaningful way to communicate.
The leash becomes a shared communication system that increases clarity, confidence, and cooperation for both ends of the leash.
Tactile cues help communicate what you want your dog to do, rather than leaving them to guess.
From Resistance to Understanding
Dogs aren’t born knowing what leash contact means. Many instinctively brace, pull harder, or shut down when they encounter leash contact they don't yet understand.
We begin by systematically removing those reflexive “push back” responses and replacing them with calm, thoughtful yielding. Through thoughtful training, dogs learn that leash contact isn't something to resist; it's simply information.
This also helps dissolve any negative associations from past experiences, making the leash feel safe, predictable, and easy to understand.
Creating Movement Through the Leash
Once leash contact feels neutral and predictable, dogs learn that following the guidance provided through the leash leads to clarity, comfort, and reinforcement.
This skill becomes the foundation for navigating tight spaces, shifting direction smoothly, and maintaining connection even in distracting environments.
Leash as a Cue: With or Without Verbal Signals
As dogs become fluent in tactile communication, the leash itself becomes a reliable cue. I will teach you how to pair leash guidance with verbal cues for added clarity, and how to use leash cues independently when verbal communication isn’t enough—such as in noisy environments, around triggers, or when a dog struggles to process sound under stress. The leash becomes a subtle, supportive way to guide behavior without escalating arousal.
What You and Your Dog Will Gain
- A dog who responds calmly to leash guidance instead of resisting it
- A calmer, more connected walk with fewer battles over direction
- A shared tactile language that works even when verbal cues fail
• Increased trust, reduced frustration, and smoother movement together
Watch the Trailer:
Coming Soon!
Lecture Publish Date: Sunday November 29th
Video Submissions Due Date: Sunday December 6th @ 12pm noon PT
Feedback & Questions Video Publish Date: Wednesday December 9th
Instructor: Karen Deeds, CDBC Karen Deeds is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is the co-owner of Canine Connection with her husband Bob Deeds, a retired Federal K9 Handler from Texas Task Force I. In 2023....(Click here for full bio and to view Karen's upcoming courses)
