Simone Mueller > Quotes

“When the term 'high-drive' is used throughout this book, it refers to dogs who are highly driven by their environment.

Most hunting dog breeds would be considered as high-drive, as their focus is on their environment, which can make loose-lead walking difficult for them.”
― Simone Mueller, Walking Together: Loose Lead Walking for High Energy Dogs

“The last parts of the predatory motor pattern are dissection and eating. This releases happy hormones and promotes relaxation and contentment, so this is what we need to replicate in our cool-down exercises by scattering treats.”
― Simone Mueller, Walking Together: Loose Lead Walking for High Energy Dogs

“Your Dog Has Reached The End Of The Lead - Although this may sound strange, when your dog naturally reaches the end of their lead, this causes pressure to be put onto their collar or harness. This pressure then causes their opposition reflex to kick in. This is not a medical re-flex, but it is something that all living beings will subconsciously do without thinking, to make sure they stay in balance. For example, if someone pulls your sleeve backwards, your automatic reaction is to pull your arm in the opposite direction, to stop them from pulling you over. It is your brain and body's immediate response to stop you from falling over. So, when your dog gets to the end of the lead, and is therefore being pulled backwards, their immediate response is to pull forwards. This cycle then continues, as you pull them back more, they pull forward more.”
― Simone Mueller, Walking Together: Loose Lead Walking for High Energy Dogs

“Mark and toss a treat for: ● auto check-ins: Whenever your dog looks back at you ● staying near you ● waiting instead of running off ● staying on the path ● keeping a loose leash ●     showing various calming signals, such as sniffing the ground, shaking off stress, yawning, blinking, lip licking etc.”
― Simone Mueller, Hunting Together: Harnessing Predatory Chasing in Family Dogs through Motivation-Based Training

“How to work with your dog's natural traits, instead of battling against them, so you can fulfill their innate needs and achieve your loose lead walking dreams.”
― Simone Mueller, Walking Together: Loose Lead Walking for High Energy Dogs

“Keep in mind that impulse control is limited, so do not overtrain. Play for three to five minutes, then take a break and let your dog be a dog again.”
― Simone Mueller, Rocket Recall: Unleash Your Dog's Desire to Return to You through Motivation-Based Training