The goal for each transition or runway is for the dog to remain focused and in sync with their handler while maintaining a loose leash. Every transition and runway should be a cue for the dog to look at you, ultimately without you having to say anything to them. In order to obtain this goal, it is important for the dog to have an understanding of loose-leash walking and attention. As the handler, it is key to stay alert when transitions and runways are approaching so you can help the dog succeed.

Transitions Explained

When something in the dog’s view changes or appears horizontally or vertically such as a surface, threshold, doorway, or stair, this is a “transition.” Easy transitions to recognize are getting into or out of a car, going through a doorway, or going into a store/building. Harder ones to recognize are grass to a sidewalk, turning a corner (in a store or on a walk), or hard surface flooring to carpet.

Runways Explained

“Runways” are passageways that have an obvious path to take that opens up to space. Examples include hallways, aisles, ramps, or openings of trees on a walk. It is oftentimes a place that ends in excitement or a new place to explore. The dog tends to get overly excited because of what may lie ahead at the end of the runway, which can implore the dog to bolt or pull forward at the end. They may lose focus and disregard attention easily due to this emotional state. It can occur in a new place and especially in a familiar place.

Common Behavior Concerns

Exit Anticipation

Exit anticipation can occur when the dog sees a transition coming up or sees the end of the runway and starts to anticipate the exit. The dog’s brain starts preparing for the exit and loses focus of the handler. They may even try to explode through the runway or threshold too quickly as their brain gets activated with excitement by the anticipation. This will result in pulling that can lead to knocking the handler off-balance increasing the risk of falling. The best way to prevent this from happening is to work on loose-leash walking and have the dog stay with you through the entirety of the runway or transition from start to finish.

Training Technique: Stay With Me! Practice Makes Perfect

Start practicing at home before going into the world. There are lots of transitions and runways in your home. Navigating doorways, stairs, hallways, and flooring changes in your home first where the dog is comfortable and at a minimal distraction level will help them succeed.

• Pick where you want to start. Choose an internal doorway that isn't attached to a long hallway to start. Start about 3-6 feet away from the doorway with the dog on a leash.
• Get the dog’s attention first. Begin by rewarding as the dog's head turns towards you if you are unable to get eye contact. Once you get some eye contact, make it with “Yes” and reward. Repeat until you have the dog’s attention.
• Proceed to take a step forward towards the doorway. If the dog stays next to you, mark it with “Yes” and reward. Before taking another step, make sure you have the dog’s full attention. Repeat the same process for taking a step forward.
  • If the dog chooses to move too far ahead, take some penalty yards and move back to the beginning.
  • If the dog seems distracted and you can’t get their attention, survey the environment and see what may be distracting them, or go back to the beginning and work on getting their focus with eye contact.
• When you reach the threshold, prepare to reward with several cookies as you go through the doorway if the dog continues to stay next to you. The dog’s attention should stay on you even after you have made it through the doorway.
• Continue to work one step at a time even after exiting the doorway as you did when approaching it. Once they have successfully stayed with you for a few steps after exiting, feel free to verbally praise them with “Good Dog!” You can repeat this type of training exercise with surface changes, hallways, and stairs.

Challenge: Increase the difficulty by adding these challenges once the dog has successfully accomplished the above exercise without error.

• Try this exercise without a leash.
  • Go through internal doors only (always use a leash when working on doorways leading outside).
• Add a distraction such as cookies on the floor.
  • The dog must practice their auto leave-it skill.
• Add a person to the other end of the transitions or runway.