In this video, I’m working with a highly prey driven dog named Buddy. I’m using small increments of pressure and release to teach Buddy to move away from my cats. I apply consistent, light pressure to Buddy’s leash when he goes towards the cats. Every time Buddy yields to the pressure by slightly lifting a foot, I release an identical increment of pressure on the leash. Then the pressure comes back on and the exercise is repeated until momentum is achieved and Buddy fully commits to mentally and physically coming off the cats.

The pressure, yield, and release is very nuanced and difficult to see unless you’re really looking for it. The goal is to teach the dog how to respond to small amounts of pressure. Once this communication skill is conditioned in your dog, everything will become easier. You’ll have a more efficient way to reach your dog with very little effort.

Early in my career, every unwanted behavior a dog showed gave me was met with a correction. No doubt, Sometimes a correction is necessary. But as my training style evolved, I realized that many times, a dog’s behavior can be effectively addressed by giving that dog more direction instead of correction.

Pressure and release is one way to do that. Because dogs intuitively understand and use different forms of pressure in their natural world (spatial pressure, tactile pressure, psychological pressure i.e. eye contact) most dogs will immediately respond to this technique.

It’s particularly important that your timing be as exact as possible while using this pressure and release technique. You’ll get better at this with practice and so will your dog.

If you’d like to learn more from me, please go CheriWulffLucas.com to check out the various workshops and mentorship programs I offer. Train the Trainer Mentorship Program, Learn to Lead Workshops and Wellness Unleashed for women are offered throughout the year. I’d love for you to join me! 🐾🙏❤️🐕