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I do know what you mean as I am not the most graceful human in the world.

And our clients? They are trying to learn a new skill! We hand our clients a leash hitched to a freight train and try to teach body balance while saying, also, click this clicker and here, hand the dog a treat – or better yet, hold this spoon and only lower it when… don’t drop the leash!!!

Haha – it goes like that sometimes!

I like to train LLW in a safe enclosed yard or room, off-leash. This takes the lead out of the game and allows the owner to juggle the other items, if needed. You are better able to control distraction set ups, too!

I also like using a waist-leash if the owner is able to tolerate it. (Not everyone has a good back and balance!)

I use a tongue-click marker sound or a verbal marker to take the clicker out of the equation.

Then, all I have to do is teach the client how and when to feed the dog.

Better yet – if we are off leash in that room or yard, they can throw a toy, which the dog (hopefully!) brings back to start the game again. I love teaching fancy heeling skills with a toy toss as the dog moves into correct position and holds it, no matter how quickly I move away or switch directions. Fun times!