Most misunderstood dog training skill

In today’s email, I want to share a heartwarming tale about my dear friend, Minerva, a bright and sincere 7-month-old American Dirus pup from the Dire Wolf Project.

Minerva is more than just a canine companion; she's a bundle of intelligence, compliance, and a willingness to please that's truly heart-melting.

Even as a very young puppy, I could see how smart and sincere she was.

It's remarkable how she effortlessly goes back into her kennel when it's time to eat, without any need for coaxing or commands. She doesn't jump or bark for attention, instead, she simply sits and looks at you with those soulful eyes, as if to say, "I'm ready to learn, let's do this together."

However, as we all know, even the brightest stars have their unique challenges.

And…

It’s the same for Minerva.

She doesn't quite know how to walk on a leash.

You see, here in the vast Ponderosa forests of Eastern Washington state, she’s never needed to develop such a skill.

Just like all of our dogs, Minerva has always been so good at following along wherever I go, never running off or refusing to enter her kennel when its time to return for breakfast.

Now, though, Minerva is transitioning to a new family, and instead of vast acres of pine forests, she'll be strolling through a town with sidewalks,

in a neighborhood…

with cars, kids on bikes, and other dogs.

To keep her safe in this new environment, she needs to learn how to walk nicely on a leash.

As part of her transition, we've been working to help Minerva understand the concept of a leash.

And…

It is the MOST MISUNDERSTOOD CONCEPT in all of dog training.

So here I am, sitting on a bench overlooking a serene forest meadow, waiting for Minerva to snuggle between my legs, as she often does. When she does, I let her sniff the slip lead, then gently place it around her neck, just like giving a cherished friend a warm hug.

We sit there, loving on each other for a few more precious moments, a symbol of trust and companionship.

Then, it's time to stand up and take that first step.

But as soon as I start walking, Minerva resists.

She sits with her head down, looking confused and forlorn, as if she's encountered an insurmountable obstacle.

This scenario right here… where the person wants to go, but the dog doesn’t understand… is so oftentimes where everything falls apart.

Many times, people become impatient and pull the dog along, disregarding the dog’s feelings.

Other times, people label the dog as stubborn instead of allowing the sensitive, thinking type of dog PROCESSING TIME.

But MOST of the time, people extend their hand to put slack in the leash or walk toward the dog to reassure them it is okay. This inadvertently sabotages the most important part of the entire leash training process.

You all want to go so fast, but you might recall that this is the first time Minerva’s ever been placed on a leash… against her will, she is now tethered and in a pickle, and she doesn’t know what to do.

All of her instincts tell her to resist the pressure.

Move away or run.

But… the human insists she do the opposite of her instincts, which have served her well for all these many months.

Move closer!

So…

This first encounter with leash pressure is THE MOST CRUCIAL time for Minerva and I know it.

Minutes pass, and the world around us seems to stand still as the leash remains taunt in a doggie tug-o-war. We're at a crossroads, a stand-off, both wondering what the other will do.

Finally, Minerva decides.

This is the moment I have been waiting for.

The moment when Minerva has had enough confusion and decides to act.

Each dog is different in their reaction to the first encounter with leash pressure, but Minerva decides to stand up and take a step towards me, releasing the pressure on the leash.

This is absolutely brilliant!

Of all the decisions she could have made, Minerva made the right one from the very beginning.

It was an absolutely magical moment…

A testament to her superior intelligence and willingness to learn.

And if I had NOT given her the time she needed to work out the problem for herself, I would have robbed her of her own learning.

We practiced this a few more times, and each time, Minerva gained more confidence.

Now, She walks calmly and easily by my side, as if she's done it all her life.

After ONE lesson.

As I watch Minerva blossom into a well-behaved and confident pup, I'm reminded that every challenge we face together is an opportunity for growth and understanding.

Minerva's journey to leash training is just one chapter in her upcoming adventures, and I have no doubt that with her sincerity and intelligence, she'll continue to shine brightly in all that she does.

Minerva is scheduled to leave us right around the middle of October to travel to her new family in Canada.

Of course, as with all of our puppies, she will be missed.

But… we will keep our fond memories of her loving soul with us as we go forward from here.

If you want to see Minerva’s first time on the leash for yourself, I filmed the experience.

Head on over to our YouTube channel and enjoy!

While you are there, don’t forget to subscribe. We post a new long video every Monday and short videos all throughout the week.

And why not brighten your days with more happy dog videos?

https://youtube.com/@direwolfproject
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Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.