Who is this trick for?
“Bring the Leash” is suitable for everyone, as it requires neither physical exertion nor specific factors like the size or age of the dog. Dogs that are already familiar with fetching may find it easier to master this trick quickly. However, if your dog has never fetched before, that’s not a problem – you can start with this trick too.
How do I start?
First, create a suitable training atmosphere. Take your dog to a room where you can be undisturbed during the training session. Don’t forget to have some tasty treats for positive reinforcement and motivation. Using a clicker for this exercise is beneficial for precise confirmation.
Step 1
If your dog has never worked with a clicker, start by conditioning this handy tool so your dog understands what the clicking means. Take ten to fifteen small treats in one hand and the clicker in the other. Sit down with your dog. Keep both hands behind your back. Without your dog having to do anything, click and immediately give him a treat.
Ensure that your treat hand moves only after the click. Repeat this process until your hand is empty, or your dog understands the principle. You can test this by going into another room while your dog is lying relaxed and clicking. If your dog comes running happily, he knows exactly what the click means: Click = Treat.
Step 2
Now onto the actual trick: Your dog should learn to bring the leash when given the corresponding signal. Initially, your dog should show interest in the leash. Have your dog, for example, wait in a sit. Then, demonstratively place the leash on the ground. Initially, you can also place a treat next to it to pique your dog’s interest. Release your dog from the sit. Now, confirm every interaction your dog has with the leash.
This could be a glance at the leash, sniffing it, or nudging it with his nose. Click and reward immediately. You can also place the reward treat on or close to the leash to help your dog understand that it’s about the leash and what he should do with it. Begin each repetition by returning to the sit, placing the leash, and then releasing your dog.
Step 3
Once your dog consistently shows interest in the leash and you’ve confirmed this several times, the slightly more challenging part follows. In this step, your dog should take the leash into his mouth. This usually doesn’t work for every dog right away. Be less generous with the clicks than in the previous step; reward only the interactions heading in the desired direction. Keep in mind the goal that your dog takes the leash between his teeth. Do not click if your dog, for example, just looks at it. However, definitely click when he uses his mouth. Once your dog gets the idea of taking the leash into his mouth – Jackpot! Click immediately and let him know he’s fantastic. Give him several treats.
Step 4
After your dog has successfully demonstrated the previous step a few times, it’s time to delay the duration of holding the leash. Every dog learns individually, so feel free to experiment. When your dog has the leash in his mouth, wait for a tiny moment before clicking. Delay a bit longer each time before clicking, but time it just before he naturally drops the leash. Important: The click should always come when the dog still has the leash in his mouth. If your dog can reliably hold the leash until you click, you can also introduce a release cue, like “OKAY” or “FREE.” Say your release cue just before clicking.
Step 5
In the final step, you refine the trick. Until now, you’ve had your dog wait, placed the leash, and then released him. Your dog then took the leash into his mouth. Great! Now, introduce a verbal cue so that your dog associates it with the action. Start as usual: have your dog wait and place the leash. However, before releasing your dog from his waiting position, say your new verbal cue, e.g., “Leash.” Repeat this step several times and begin to omit the release gradually.
Once you feel your dog has understood, transfer the exercise to different locations. Practice in another room or in the garden. You can also place the leash further away and have your dog bring it to you.
With patient training, your dog will soon be able to bring the leash from the hallway to the living room. Work quietly in small steps, and enjoy the shared training!
