This Way
Connection • Regulation • Decision-Making • Confidence
Description
A gentle, connection-based movement pattern that helps you guide your dog away from triggers or tricky situations without tension. By pairing your calm lead slide with food, you create a clear, predictable cue for safety and cooperation.
How to Play
In a quiet space, practise sliding one hand smoothly down the lead towards your dog’s body while calmly feeding with the other hand.
Repeat until your dog easily turns with you when they feel your hand slide — this becomes a soft, predictable signal that movement equals safety.
Add gentle turns and direction changes, feeding each time you move together.
Practise indoors and in the garden before using it outside. Reinforce the message: “We’re going this way, and I’ll feed you here.”
Once your dog understands the pattern, use it to move away from distractions or tense moments in the real world with calm confidence.
Why it Matters
Instead of pulling or forcing distance, This Way uses predictability and reinforcement to create safety through movement. It helps dogs regulate, stay connected, and trust your guidance in more challenging situations.
Tips for Success
Practise regularly when your dog is calm before using it during stress.
Feed at your side, not ahead, to prevent pulling.
Keep your own breathing slow to model calmness.
Combine with Trust Loop for dogs needing extra support around triggers.