Part 3: five-step method
It's summer, it's hot, and somehow you get a little bit on your limits. A walk with your dog in the forest or in another cool, shady place helps. So that you can not only cool off physically, but also get your head free and find a little calm, it is important that you both walk with each other calmly and relaxed. After all, at the temperatures, nobody really needs a show of strength à la “Who can pull more on a leash”. If you read the previous two articles in this series (Part 1: Linen guide | Part 2: tug on the dog leash), Do you already know what you need: foot work on autopilot!
Today I will show you how you can implement this step by step so that you and your dog can learn at your own pace – until your dog can safely master the autopilot and walk relaxed, no matter what else walking around or flies around. Because the thing is: Many actually want to train foot work, but most of them don't know where to start or how to train. That's why I now lead you to my proven five-step method for footwork, with which thousands of dogs have already learned to go relaxed on the foot.
Basics for a structured training approach
In advance a few general information:
- For the first three steps you need a start and end ritual, as you only integrate the basic position into the footwork from step 4. This means that your footwork always starts with the start signal, then the learning phase follows, and finally the final ritual is used to signal your dog that the training is complete.
- Also make sure that you can successfully implement the individual steps in succession with your dog before going to the next step. You start with a very low release and increase it a bit with every step. If the release is too high, just take a step back. If your dog is ready for more, go one step further.
Step 1: Find foot position
Your dog learns to get into the right position independently, i.e. position yourself next to your leg – without chaos.
Goal: Your dog goes 20 steps close to your leg in a consistent position
Step 2: establish “foot” signal
Now that your dog knows what is expected from him, the whole thing gets a name: “Foot!”. With this clear word signal you clearly show your dog what to do. If it works, he will specifically receive a reward, if not, correctly go backwards.
Goal: about 3 minutes of practice.
Step 3: Increase levers and foot work without a leash
Children, cyclists or other dogs – no matter who or what is going around there, your dog stays by your side. The patience and structure of your previous training will pay off, the autopilot begins: your dog knows where it belongs, even if it gets exciting around him. Now you can also start with the first exercises for free foot work without a leash.
Goal: About 10 minutes of practice time with hustle and bustle.
If you have successfully went through the first three steps, I have good and bad news for you. The good news: you are on the very best way to the autopilot! The bad? You are not finished yet, because now it will be really exciting: With steps 4 and 5, you ensure that your dog can master the autopilot in your sleep and can call up at any time so that your training success is secured in the long term.
Step 4: Integrate the basic position
Instead of the start and end rituals, you now bring the basic position into play and combine it with your footwork. You start and end the footwork in the basic position and then free your dog.
Important: So that this works, your dog should already master the basic position, that is, you should have built it up without the footwork.
Step 5: Now the final bosses come
Now it goes to your final opponents in the footwork: water, playing dogs, running game-whatever your dog at the beginning of your foot trip out of your socks is now being tackled. To do this, you train the footwork more and more without a leash and can now also use it as a relaxation signal if you get into a dangerous situation.
Important: This last step accompanies you for a lifetime! You integrate the footwork into your everyday life and your daily walks. Exercise becomes habit. Your dog stays with you automatically, no matter what the release is due.
Summarized again briefly: 
Start with a ritual. Go through one level after the other-from almost boring zero distraction to the chaos environment, in which there is no shortage of distraction. Is it wrong? No problem, just less distraction and back to the previous step. Is it great? Perfect, then your dog gets more stimuli and leverage – you know the game.
Congratulations, your dog can do the autopilot!
Incidentally, a small fun fact on the side: Many dogs that have learned the autopilot just run in the foot position with a joyful way – without request, without a leash, but simply because they enjoy it and they feel safe with you.
Why this method really works
- Training with structure instead of a haphazard or train.
- Always the same processes: signal, position, ritual = This brings clarity for humans and dogs.
- Clear signals for your dog: He knows exactly what to do (In contrast to classic linen guidance, where he is more busy with puzzle rates).
- Measurable success: “Hey, my dog creates 20 steps” is a measurable success and much clearer than to say “Oh, he runs” or “Oh, he doesn't go” – there is not only yes and no, but also a lot of small successes in between.
Thanks to clear rules, there is fewer confusion and visible, measurable progress. Your dog and you can grow together with the systematic challenges and train with fun instead of frustration. Trust in footwork grows and the motivation remains – and your walks are just fun.
Conclusion
Footwork is not only for show or pedigree dogs, but for really every dog and everyone. It is the key to relaxed walks and for real cooperation. With my five-step method you make a real team experience.
Tip at the end: Stay tuned, take place step by step – and enjoy your walks together. So, on the paws, ready, go!
So now you know exactly how to help your dog in dangerous situations to stay calm and relaxed. But rest and relaxation are a side – after all, your dog also needs utilization! In the next article in this series, I will explain why the classic ball throwing is counterproductive for the utilization of your dog. Of course I also show you what you can do so that your dog feels busy. After all, you want both at the end: a relaxed walk with your dog and a dog that is tired and well challenged at the end of the day.
Tip: Susanne Reinke's podcast for foot work.