I’m working on focused heeling and leash pressure with my Malinois and when I pull back he sits instead of backing up. What can I do to help him understand what I’m asking?

Full Question:

Hello, I’m working my way through Michael Ellis’ focused heeling video and I’ve gotten to the part where I work on leash pressure with my mal. He’s awesome with the forward leash pressure and immediately gives. When I pull straight back to attempt to get him to give backwards he constantly drops into a sit. If I keep applying pressure backwards he drops into a down. What can I do to help him learn what I’m asking? Should I just keep applying steady pressure backwards? I’m using a slip lead. Thanks!

Cindy's Answer:

I just added a Q and A about this to the website a couple weeks ago. Read the article here.

For some dogs the slip lead doesn't release quickly enough to get the point across to them. If you don't get results with the slip lead you may want to go to a small link prong.

I hope this helps. Let me know how it goes!

User Response:

Omg that worked perfectly!! I paid way more attention to be sure I was not pulling up at all and stopped as soon as a paw even started to move. So awesome!!! He was taking a full step by the end of the session. I have the Herm Sprenger 2.25mm size prong collar. Absolutely Iove it. Yay can’t wait to make even more progress. Thank you so much!!

Cindy's Answer:

You're welcome, I'm so glad it worked! Thanks for letting me know. :)

100% (3 out of 3)

respondents found this answer helpful