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@Chris Okay – yes I think you have a great handle (pun intended) on all things “leash”! And yes, in the context of the video conversation, we’re talking about what normal folks do with their hands and leashes and how puppy does/not respond, accordingly. I LOVE teaching dogs of all ages to “move toward the pressure” , with the rewards coming twofold for the behavior: R- (pressure is released) and R+(cookies, praise, etc.).
The release of the pressure is REALLY HARD for some handlers. It seems they tend to take up the slack as soon as the dog creates it. It’s a sticky point – and an important concept to help them understand that they will never have a loose-leash walking dog, if they always tighten up the lead!
I also like to point out that if we were walking down the sidewalk and I had ahold of your sleeve constantly, like a little kid will cling-on to you, then you’d habituate to that constant pressure and it’s normal. You tune it out. Similarly, you don’t have to look at me/the kid, because you know exactly where I am since you can feel me! The dog doesn’t have to look at you, if he can feel you. So by loosening the lead, we create MORE opportunities for check ins, especially if we capture and reinforce them.