How To Teach A Stubborn English Bulldog To Walk Nicely On Leash

Nina had a big first day today learning all things Permission Based!
Day 1 at the PAWS Bootcamp consists of 3 core Permission Based Activities - Crate Manners, Threshold Manners, and the Structured Walk - all requiring a level of respect and manners from the dog.
1) Heel - The dog is taught the basics of walking politely on leash using Pressure and Release with the Herm Sprenger and miniEducator.
2) Threshold Manners - No barging in or out of any more doorways. The dog must wait for Permission to walk through.
3) Crate Manners - No barging in or out of the crate. The dog is required to go in on verbal command and wait to come back out with an “okay.”
These three simple exercises are the basis to what will become our basic obedience foundation - all of which change the former perception and association with the human to that of leader.
We like to start out the Introduction to leash language teaching the language of Pressure Avoidance. Each time Nina resists, goes to sniff, or disengages, light, low level pressure is applied, and then is immediately released as soon as she steps in my direction. This new form of communication makes it very clear to Nina that she ultimately is the one in control of her own comfort.
Walking Nina is my starting point for our relationship. It is the first step in taking control and managing her impulses and choices until she’s able to make good ones on her own.
Awesome first day sweet girl!