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We recently had a chance to catch up with Fred Leow, a highly respected dog trainer in Singapore and someone who helped us with training tips when we first started volunteering at our local shelter. He is a mentor for many dog trainers in Singapore and is one of the foremost advocates of positive training methods to help understand our canine companions better. 

Fred is IAABC-CDBC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) and a certified Dog Behavior consultant, who is also on Singapore's AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer (ACDT) list.

LD: What is the goal/purpose of training a dog on a long leash and is this a new concept in training?
Fred: The main purpose is to teach the dog loose leash walking and prevent leash reactivity from a tight leash. This is not a new concept in training as loose leash walking has always been one of the foundational skills to teach a dog.

LD: What are the benefits of using a long leash while walking a dog?
Fred: It allows the dog more freedom to move, and the dog is positively reinforced by being able to move forward on a loose leash. However, when the leash is short, there is not much opportunity for the dog to move before the leash is tight and the owner may continue to move forward, thus negatively reinforcing pulling as the tension is removed.  A long leash also provides flexibility of quickly lengthening or shortening the leash, depending on the situation. The ease of handling comes with ample practice. Lastly, it also helps when training "recall" as there is sufficient distance from the dog.

LD: Where should one consider walking a dog on a long leash?
Fred: I would recommend it in open areas or when one can see there's no humans/dogs/vehicle/etc. nearby. It's also great for decompression walks, where the dog is allowed to lead the walk, and take their time to explore and sniff as they like.  If you are living in an apartment or crowded urban area, move to the long leash only after you have reached an open space.

LD: How long should a long leash ideally be? What is the best length to start with?
Fred: Can start with 2.5-3m. When one becomes more skilled and confident at handling a long leash, then can progress to 5-6m.

LD: Where should long leash training be practiced?

Fred: Handlers should first practise handling the long leash on their own without the dog, e.g. by having a companion hold onto the leash or tying the end of the leash to a pillar. Thereafter, you can practise with the dog at home, then progress to outdoor in an open space without potential triggers. 

LD: What other tools are useful when practicing long leash walking?  
Fred: Treats, toys and verbal praises (or anything the dog finds reinforcing) can be used to reinforce the dog for staying close, waiting calmly beside handler without pulling forward, coming back when called, etc. You can clip onto the harness when walking the dog on long leash and giving it more freedom to move. Conversely, can clip onto the collar when we require the dog to walk closer to us with more structure, e.g. in tight corridors with human traffic - using the difference in antecedents to make the expected behaviour clearer to the dog.

LD: Are there any specific dogs ( in terms of behaviors, traits or training levels ) that are more suitable for long leash training/walks?
Fred: All dogs regardless of breed, sex and age can benefit from long leash training. In particular, dogs that have reactivity and pull on leash will benefit from having more room to move before hitting the end of the leash and feeling the tension. It's less frustrating for them.

LD: What are your tips on how to handle a long leash? (eg. without it knotting, other equipment etc)
Fred: Lengthening by giving more leash when the dog moves away, shortening by taking in leash when moving closer to the dog. I always recommend maintaining a gentle U-shape and not letting it drag on the floor.

LD: What are some safety tips we must always keep in mind when walking/training a dog on a long leash?
Fred: Be conscious of the surroundings and considerate of the public. Always shorten and maintain a smiling leash when there are other people, dogs, bicycles, etc. Secondly, always maintain one point of contact with the leash (like belaying) with fingers pressing down firmly on the leash so it does not slip out, should the dog pull. 

LD: Does long leash walking/training help transition when walking on a shorter leash in general?
Fred: A long leash can help reduce the frustration of a dog that is used to pulling and teach it how to walk calmly on a loose leash. After the dog has learnt how to walk on a loose leash, it will be able to walk on a shorter leash without pulling.

Contact Fred Leow at acesfred@gmail.com for more guidence and training assistance.