Mellow Miles: Loose Lead Walking.

A 4-week, small-group, skill-building series focused on calm, functional loose lead walking.

Walks don’t need to feel tense, rushed or exhausting.

What this class is.

Mellow Miles is a small-group, behavior-first loose lead walking class focused on supporting regulation, engagement, and functional walking skills in everyday environments.

Dogs and guardians learn together in a low-distraction environment that supports regulation, learning, and confidence.

Loose lead walking is approached as a skill that develops over time, not a behavior enforced through control.

This class emphasizes meeting a dog’s movement and exploration needs while building the foundations that support calm, functional walking.

Guardians will learn when to practice loose lead walking and when alternative walking options, such as long-line walks, are more appropriate while skills are still developing.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s steadier, more cooperative walks you both can enjoy.

This curriculum is built from behavior-first training principles and real-world experience supporting dogs who struggle on leash.

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What to Expect

This class is a good fit if:

❋ Your dog pulls surges, or struggles to stay regulated on walks
❋ You’re looking for structured practice around other dogs
❋ Your dog becomes over-stimulated once movement begins
❋ You want to improve leash walking without relying on corrections
❋ You value skill-building over quick fixes

This class may not be the right fit if:

❋ You’re looking for correction-based or equipment-driven training
❋ Your dog requires intensive, individualized behavior support

  • (Private programs may be a better fit in these cases.)

❋ You want immediate results without practice between sessions
❋ You’re unable to attend all four weeks of the series

This is a 4-week progressive series, with each week building on the skills introduced previously. While every dog progresses at their own pace, the class follows a clear skill-building framework.

Class structure

WEEK 1 - Foundations for Practice

Focus: Setting up practice in a way that supports learning—not frustration.

  • Why unmet needs (movement, sniffing, decompression) impact leash behavior

  • The role of long-line and exploratory walks early in training

  • Proper leash handling

  • Introduction to an engagement exercise for home practice

Takeaway: You’ll leave with a clear plan for how to practice between sessions.

WEEK 2 - Cue, Markers & Reinforcement

Focus: Building clear communication while moving together.

  • Cues, markers, and reinforcement timing

  • Supporting engagement while moving

  • Adjusting distance and pace based on arousal

  • Strengthening handler mechanics

Takeaway: Walking together becomes more intentional and less reactive.

WEEK 3 - Loose Lead Walking as a Skill

Focus: Developing loose lead walking as a cooperative skill—not a default behavior

  • Turning loose lead walking into a game

  • Encouraging orientation during movement

  • Supporting regulation around mild distractions

  • Troubleshooting common challenges

Takeaway: Loose lead walking becomes more cooperative and predictable.

WEEK 4 - Adding the Cue & Moving Forward

Focus: Adding the cue thoughtfully and planning next steps.

  • Criteria for adding the loose lead walking cue

  • Generalizing the skill to new environments

  • When to return to long-line or decompression walks

  • Planning continued practice beyond class

Takeaway: You’ll leave with a clear path for continued progress

About leash use in this class

For safety, all dogs are required to remain on leash while on the training property. During class, the leash functions as a safety line, not a teaching tool.

Loose lead walking is taught as a skill, not through leash pressure. Skill development focuses on movement, engagement, cues, and reinforcement rather than restraint.

Guardians will be guided on how to practice these skills off leash at home in appropriate enclosed environments at home, and how to thoughtfully reintroduce the leash once the foundations are in place.

Logistics

Format: 4-week skill-building series

Session length:
45-60 minutes

Class size:
4-6 dog/guardian teams

Location
Mellow Hound Property Sequim, WA

Location
123 Demo St, New York, NY 12345

  • Eligibility

    Dogs must be at least 5 months of age

    Your dog doesn’t need to be perfect in this class, but should be able to hang out at a distance from other dogs and recover with support if they become excited.

    This class may not be the right fit for dogs who become significantly overwhelmed/stressed around other dogs, even at a distance.

  • What to bring.

    A standard leash or long line (no retractable leashes)

    A well-fitted harness or flat collar

    Food rewards

    Water for your dog

  • I am here to help you.

    If you’re unsure whether this class is the right fit for your dog, please reach out before enrolling.

$180

For the full 4 week series

This series is designed for those ready to practice consistently and build lasting skills.

This pricing reflects the structured curriculum, small group size, and behavior-first instruction in a low-distraction environment.

Space is limited to support regulation and learning for both dogs and guardians.

Buy It

Next Steps:

Enrollment is limited to maintain a calm, supportive learning environment.

If you’re unsure whether this class is the right fit, I’m happy to help you decide.

Participation in group classes does not replace private behavior support. Additional services may be recommended based on individual needs.