Originally shared in the Cosmic Dogcast Newsletter · November 2025

Loose Leash Walking: Building Value in Staying Close

Hello Dog-Loving Friends!

Walking your dog should feel calm, connected, and enjoyable for both of you. But for many families, it feels like a battle. Pulling. Zig-zagging. Constant tension on the leash.

So how do we move from frustration to flow?

The key is something called proximity value. It means teaching your dog that being near you is the best place to be.

When your dog values closeness, they choose connection over chaos. They check in. They match your pace. They move with you instead of against you.

What Is Proximity Value?

Proximity value is not about holding the leash tighter or correcting harder.

It is about building a history of reinforcement for staying close.

Instead of asking, “How do I stop the pulling?”
We ask, “How do I make walking beside me worth it?”

That shift changes everything.

How to Start Building Closeness

Reward Check-Ins

Every time your dog looks at you, moves toward you, or walks beside you, notice it. Mark it. Reward it. Those small moments build big habits.

Make Proximity Fun

Use treats, toys, praise, or permission to sniff. Mix it up so staying close always feels rewarding.

Practice Calm Together

Spend time in low-distraction environments just walking slowly and being present. Quiet practice builds trust as much as structured training does.

Over time, something beautiful happens. Your dog begins to choose closeness even when the world gets exciting.

That is connection-based walking.

If you want to understand the deeper philosophy behind this approach, visit our Training Methods page to learn how we build cooperation without force.

If pulling is connected to reactivity or big emotions, our Reactivity & Behavior page explains how emotional safety supports better leash skills.

Kindness Matters

It is hard to ignore how uncertain and heavy the world can feel right now.

That is why bringing kindness into our relationships matters. With our dogs. With ourselves. With each other.

All winter long, I am offering Zoom training sessions for $50 per session. This is available to anyone who needs guidance, support, or a fresh start with their dog.

Whether you are working on leash skills, confidence building, reactivity, or connection work, help is available.

Sometimes the smallest shifts create the biggest relief.

Want Calmer Walks to Feel Normal?

If you are ready to turn walks into something you both enjoy, our Life Skills classes focus heavily on leash confidence, engagement, and real-world practice.

You can explore our group classes here and start building the value of staying close, one step at a time.

Because loose leash walking is not about control.
It is about partnership.

With Warm Paws and Hearts,
Kathleen Valentine