Removing the Lead

Once your dog is confidently going on and off the placeboard without any guidance or intervention from the lead, you can begin to remove the lead and repeat the exercises.

The aim at this stage is for your dog to understand the behaviour and make the correct choices without relying on the lead for guidance.

Continue to use the same cues and reward system. Use “place” to send your dog onto the board and your dog’s name to release them. Mark and reward the behaviours you want, whether that is going onto the board, sitting, focusing or moving calmly away when released.

If your dog struggles at any point, do not move forwards too quickly. Simply return to the stage where your dog was succeeding, rebuild their confidence and then gradually progress again.

Remember, training is not always a straight line. Going back a step is not a setback — it is how we create a stronger understanding and a more reliable response.

Take your time, keep sessions positive and allow your dog to build confidence as they progress.