In the February 2024 issue, we shared a pro tip on the benefits of using a long line. Many dog handlers struggle with leash-related challenges such as pulling and leash reactivity, and there are many benefits to working on a long line. This work involves practicing exercises and playing games on a long line, which eases tension on the line, gives dogs room to move, and helps us teach dogs to walk next to us, with or without a line.
One such exercise is the treat toss. In this video, I remind viewers of the benefits of working on a long line, explain the purpose of the treat toss exercise, and demonstrate both the treat toss and treat scatter exercises with Nejra, my Malinois.
Here are a few more tips for having fun with the treat toss exercise:
Start on a surface where the dog can see the treat easily and don’t toss the treat too far. Examples:
- Carpet
- Hardwood flooring
- Asphalt
- Rubber garage mats
Progress to tossing the treat farther out, but still reachable with the long line attached.
Progress to working on grass, where the dog must now smell for the treat.
Progress to tossing the treat farther out on grass.