Teaching our dogs to follow us as we walk backwards (and then pivot) is one of the beginning steps for training loose leash walking. Additionally, having your dog understanding to walk towards you as you walk backwards can be a useful tool for getting your dog to move from the end of their leash back to you.
How to Play the Backwards Walking Game:
- Start with a handful of treats and you and your dog near a wall.
- Toss one treat towards the wall, let your dog get it.
- If you don’t have a wall toss the treat a small distance in front of you.
- After they eat the treat, say your dog’s name.
- As soon as they turn their head toward you, mark (click) and put a treat on the ground by your feet.
- Take a step backwards and mark (click) as your dog steps toward you.
- Initially click and treat for every step backwards you take, slowly increase the number of steps between click/treat.
- Note: click while your dog is moving towards you, not when they are stopped.
Adding a pivot
- Once your dog is consistently following you as you walk backwards, you can add a pivot to change your direction so you are walking forwards.
- As you turn forward click and treat your dog for continuing to walk with you.
- After each click, place the treat on the floor by the outside of your left foot.