Before beginning the 10-Step Training Plan, we recommend teaching four simple foundation skills.

These skills are not difficult, but they will make the training process significantly easier for both the dog and the guardian. They provide the communication tools and basic positioning skills that are used throughout the program and help set everyone up for success from the very beginning.

As professionals, we know that training outcomes often improve when learners are given the opportunity to develop a strong foundation before progressing to more complex skills. These four prerequisite games help create that foundation.

The skills included in this section are:

1. The Marker Game

The Marker Game teaches the dog that a specific sound, such as the verbal marker "Yes" or the click of a clicker, predicts reinforcement.

Once conditioned, the marker becomes a powerful communication tool that allows the guardian to clearly and precisely communicate:

"That behavior was successful."

This simple game lays the foundation for clear communication throughout the entire program and can be used in the teaching of virtually any future skill.

2. Stand on Leash

Before teaching movement, it makes sense to teach relaxation and success on a loose leash while stationary.

The Stand on Leash game helps dogs discover that tension in the leash does not lead to reinforcement, while a loose leash does.

The game also encourages calmness, focus, and engagement while helping guardians develop excellent timing and observation skills.

Many dogs begin to develop a new understanding of leash pressure after only a few short sessions.

3. The Front Position

The Front position teaches the dog to move opposite and face the guardian.

This position becomes an important communication and management tool throughout the loose leash walking program.

The Front position can be used to:

• Reorient a distracted dog.
• Increase engagement.
• Improve focus.
• Create a clear starting point for training exercises.
• Help dogs successfully navigate challenging environments.

The position does not need to be precise. The goal is simply that the dog willingly moves opposite and faces the guardian.

4. The Close Position

The Close position teaches the dog to move to the guardian's left side.

Throughout this program, all training exercises are based on the dog walking on the guardian's left side in the Close position. Once learned, the same process can be repeated to teach the dog to walk comfortably on the right side if desired.

The Close position becomes the foundation for loose leash walking and allows both dog and guardian to develop predictable movement patterns and clear communication.

Why These Skills Matter

Although it may be tempting to skip ahead and begin teaching loose leash walking immediately, spending a little time developing these foundation skills will often accelerate progress later in the program.

Each of these games contributes something important:

• The Marker Game develops communication.
• Stand on Leash develops leash awareness.
• Front develops engagement and orientation.
• Close develops position and movement skills.

Together, they create a strong foundation upon which all ten steps of the loose leash walking program can be built.

We strongly recommend that guardians complete these foundation exercises before beginning Step 1 of the training plan.

As professionals, you may choose to introduce these skills during a pre-course orientation session, assign them as homework before the first class, or teach them during the early stages of private training. Regardless of how they are delivered, the time invested in these foundation games is likely to pay dividends throughout the remainder of the program.

To support different learning styles, the lesson notes in this section are available in both written and audio format.

You are welcome to:

• Read the notes
• Listen to the audio recordings
• Watch the video demonstration provided for Skill 4 – The Front Position
• Or use these resources together

Choose the option that best suits your learning preference!