Are you ever out on a walk and spot something ahead that you would really prefer not to get any closer to? Maybe your dog is reactive and you’ve just spotted a trigger, or maybe there’s a flock of Canada Geese that you’d really prefer to keep your distance from – everyone has moments where they need to change directions on a dime!
Especially for dogs who are reactive on leash, we want to minimize leash tension and rely primarily on using verbal cues to direct them. This helps our dogs stay calm when we suddenly change directions, and helps them commit to the direction change alongside us.
When your dog knows how to U-Turn, you can say “This way!” and he will immediately look back to you and happily change direction alongside you.
How to Teach U-Turns
What you’ll need: your dog, treats, plenty of space to practice, and a leash.
- Start walking with your dog on leash, feeding them in their takeout window next to your leg every few steps.
- After a few steps, say “This way!” before turning 90 degrees away from your dog and continuing to walk. As they follow you, mark “Yes!” and feed in their takeout window. Repeat 4-5x.
- Next, make your turn a full 180 degree U-Turn away from them. Repeat 4-5x.
After your dog knows the basics, start practicing in different environments! You can take things into the yard or out on the sidewalk once your dog is ready.
U-Turns for Reactive Dogs
U-Turns are just one of the many skills in the leash training toolbox! They are especially useful to help set our reactive pups up for success on leash walks.
- Ideally, cue your U-Turn before your dog goes over threshold. Where possible, use U-Turns to prevent reactions from happening so that we continue to practice the behaviors and feelings we want to see more of. But don’t be afraid to use them if your dog has a reaction! U-Turns are a valuable tool to help our dogs escape situations they don’t want to be in.
- Use a U-Turn to advocate for your dog. If you see a situation you don’t want to put your dog in – trust your gut.
- Use a U-Turn to reduce proximity to triggers. When we are working on reactivity, we want to practice our skills in a low-intensity situation. Usually, this means taking some steps off the path to get our dogs some space from their triggers, or avoiding problem spots entirely. If you see a trigger ahead and there’s no room to get some space on the path, U-Turn and walk back to a more open space that your dog can be more successful in!
- Use a U-Turn to avoid triggers entirely. If you see a trigger and you know that either you or your dog isn’t ready – U-Turn away and make some distance! Maintaining healthy distance from triggers is an essential aspect of managing a reactive dog and keeping everyone successful.
