Last week we started going over the loose leash games I like to work through. We covered “Moonwalking” & getting your dog into a Heel position. You and your dog should be pros at those skills now, so let’s keep this rolling!

The 3rd game I have really enjoyed adding in called “Pivot With Me.” I learned this exercise in 2024 from Amy Cook, PhD in her Management for Reactive Dogs course. I took the couse through the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. The exercise has quickly become a big piece of my leash training protocol!

Make sure you are adhering to The Mullet Method & the Push-Drop-Stick rules!

• Step 1

• Get your dog into heel position (you can use a lure for this even if they don’t need one).

• Now put a lure to your dog’s nose and pivot in place to the right a one quarter turn (90 degrees). - If your dog is on your right side, pivot to the left.

• Mark when they move to follow the lure and then pay right next to your leg.

• Step 2

• Get your dog into heel position (you can use a lure for this even if they don’t need one).

• Now put a lure to your dog’s nose and pivot in place to the right a one half turn (180 degrees). (If your dog is on your right side, pivot to the left)

• Mark when they move to follow the lure and then pay right next to your leg.

• Step 3

• Get your dog into heel position (you can use a lure for this even if they don’t need one).

• Now put a lure to your dog’s nose and pivot in place to the right a full turn (360 degrees). (If your dog is on your right side, pivot to the left)

• Mark when they move to follow the lure and then pay right next to your leg.

• Step 4

• Get your dog into heel position (you can use a lure for this even if they don’t need one).

• Keeping your lure up on your chest, start pivoting to the left a quarter turn (90 degrees) & immediately drop your lure to your side mark and then pay your dog.

• Step 5

• Get your dog into heel position (you can use a lure for this even if they don’t need one).

• Keeping your lure up on your chest, start pivoting to the left a half turn (180 degrees) & immediately drop your lure to your side mark and then pay your dog.

• Step 6

• Get your dog into heel position (you can use a lure for this even if they don’t need one).

• Keeping your lure up on your chest, start pivoting to the left a full turn (360 degrees) & immediately drop your lure to your side mark and then pay your dog.

• Step 7

• Get your dog into heel position (you can use a lure for this even if they don’t need one).

• Keeping your lure up on your chest the entire time, pivot to the left a quarter turn (90 degrees)

• Mark when they move & then pay right next to your leg.

• Step 8

• Get your dog into heel position (you can use a lure for this even if they don’t need one).

• Keeping your lure up on your chest the entire time, pivot to the left a half turn (180 degrees)

• Mark when they move & then pay right next to your leg.

• Stay 9

• Get your dog into heel position (you can use a lure for this even if they don’t need one).

• Keeping your lure up on your chest the entire time, pivot to the left a full turn (360 degrees)

• Mark when they move & then pay right next to your leg.

At this point your dog should be pivoting in complete circles at your side! If you need any help working this plan, join my online learning community, Evolved Dog School, and make a post! I will gladly help you work through any hurdles you are running into.