Mastering Calm Walks with About Turns
Hello, Barrkera Pack!
Does your dog turn into a freight train the moment you grab their leash? When your furry family member pulls you down the street, it's not just about being strong willed. The science behind leash pulling reveals something much deeper going on with your dog's emotional state.
Most dogs pull because the leash triggers intense excitement rather than calm focus. When they see the leash coming out, their brain starts releasing excitement chemicals that make it almost impossible to think clearly. This isn't about your dog trying to be the "alpha" or dominate you. It's about an emotional response that needs to be changed at its core using proven conditioning methods.
Identify
Watch for these signs that your dog's excitement level is too high for learning:
Getting worked up the moment you touch their leash or harness
Pulling immediately when you step outside, even with no clear destination
Panting heavily, jumping, or unable to settle when walk time approaches
Ignoring treats or commands they normally follow easily
When your dog hits the end of the leash and keeps pulling, they're likely experiencing "opposition reflex". This natural response makes them push against pressure, which actually makes pulling feel rewarding to them.
Respond
The key is changing your dog's emotional response from excitement to calm anticipation. Start by practicing with the leash when you're NOT going for a walk. Pick up the leash randomly throughout the day and give your dog a treat for staying calm, then put it away. This breaks the strong link between "leash equals immediate excitement."
Your dog needs to learn that pulling gets them nowhere, while calm attention gets them everywhere they want to go. The secret lies in beating your dog to the punch before they even start pulling.
Training Steps
Phase 1: The About Turn Method
This technique teaches your dog that you control the direction, and they need to pay attention to where you're going.
Start walking normally with your dog
The moment you see your dog begin to surge forward but BEFORE the leash gets tight, do a quick 180-degree turn and walk the other direction
Don't say anything or give warnings. Just turn quietly and keep walking
When your dog catches up and walks beside you calmly, offer gentle praise
Repeat this pattern consistently, turning every time your dog starts to move ahead
Phase 2: Build Focus and Attention
Practice these turns 2 to 3 times daily for about 10 minutes each session
Your dog will start checking in with you more often as they learn that not paying attention means sudden direction changes
Keep sessions short to avoid overwhelming your dog
Once your dog can walk beside you for several steps, gradually increase the distance before turning
The beauty of this method is that it uses classical conditioning. Your dog begins to associate staying close to you with forward movement (something they naturally want), and pulling or surging ahead with the unpleasant surprise of going backward.
Barrkera Pack Action Plan
Practice leash handling when you're NOT going out to break the excitement cycle
Use the about turn the moment your dog starts to surge forward, not after they're already pulling
Turn quietly without verbal warnings or corrections
Reward calm walking beside you with gentle praise and continued forward movement
Keep training sessions short but consistent (10 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily)
Stay patient and consistent, your dog is learning a completely new emotional response to the leash
Remember, Barrkera Pack, you're not just training a behavior, you're helping your dog develop a calmer, more focused emotional state. With consistent practice and patience, those chaotic walks will transform into peaceful bonding time for both of you.
About Barrkera
Barrkera provides personalized, positive dog training for families and pets across North Dallas-Fort Worth, serving Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Colleyville, Euless, Roanoke, Trophy Club, and neighboring North DFW communities.
All training is hands-on and takes place in your home or favorite public spaces, tailored to your real-world routines and challenges. Whether you want to master obedience in Keller, build reliable leash manners in Grapevine, or nurture your puppy’s confidence in Southlake, Barrkera helps you and your dog succeed in the environments that matter most.
Why Choose Barrkera?
One-on-one, customized training designed for your goals and lifestyle
In-home sessions and public space coaching, no group classes or generic solutions
Proven, positive methods that deliver noticeable results at home and beyond
Consistently recommended by North DFW dog owners
Service Areas:
Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Colleyville, Euless, Roanoke, Trophy Club, and nearby North DFW areas.
Ready to build a stronger bond with your dog in North DFW?
Contact Barrkera today for a consultation or set up an appointment to ask us about your dog behaviors, and discover why so many families in Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Colleyville, Euless, Roanoke, and Trophy Club trust our expert in-home dog training.
Barrkera – Empowering North DFW’s dogs and their families with guidance, support, and compassionate training.
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