Sammy Video 6

🐾Sammy’s Training Diary — Lead Walking Foundations
The “Follow Me” Game
Today’s lesson with Sammy, our guest rescue dog from ARAN Animal Rescue NZ, was all about setting up the foundations of beautiful, connected lead walking — and it starts in the most unexpected place…
Choice.
Instead of dragging, correcting, or constantly “bringing him back,” we introduced Sammy to the Follow Me Game. This is where the human becomes the calm centre of gravity, and the dog learns that coming towards you is always safe, rewarding, and his own decision.
No jerking the lead. No forcing.
Just gentle guidance and giving Sammy the space to choose connection.
At first, he wandered a bit — totally normal for a bright, curious dog like him. But then something lovely began to happen. He’d pause… glance back… and move toward me of his own free will. Each choice he made to close that gap strengthened the relationship and the learning.
And before long, we weren’t just walking – we were following each other. That’s the heart of mindful lead walking: two nervous systems syncing up and moving together, not one body trying to control the other.
This is the groundwork that will help Sammy feel calmer, more confident, and more connected on future walks. The more choice he gets, the more beautifully he engages.
Proud of this boy — and excited to show you what comes next. 💜
If you think that Sammy is the dog you are looking for, then contact ARAN Animal Rescue NZ to find out more details abou how you could adopt him into your family.
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/pets-animals/dogs/dogs-to-adopt/listing/5676089408