The Transitional Leash or Sidekick (Part 3 of the Leash Series)

Poppy the puppy posing in all her beautiful shagginess on a training walk.

A trainer named, Heather Beck, came up with this design after becoming frustrated with another product's changes, the Gentle Leader.  I have to admit that I have never been a fan of that product myself.  In my opinion, Heather Beck made a better product which I prefer to call the Transitional Leash, but it is also sold as the Sidekick.

This is a great tool for both training and for behavioral modification or change, in my opinion.   Remember though, the tool never trains the dog.   The dog owner, trainer or handler trains the dog with the use of the tool.  We will go over how this tool can help and how it works.

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The picture below shows the unique features of the Transitional Leash or Sidekick:

• ​The plastic cinch and lock fits the slip collar part of the leash to your dog.  It also locks that fitting in place so the collar does not accidentally get loose allowing your dog to get out of it.
• The metal piece for the threading the nose loop allows the leash to transition into a simple slip leash or allows for the nose loop to be used.
• Located below the metal nose loop, is a safety for a backup collar for when the leash is configured into the nose loop.   It is hard to happen, but if you aren't paying attention to fitting this properly in the nose loop configuration, it can come off.   This way, you still have your dog attached to the leash with the safety.
• I like the way upwards tension works this leash (rather than the side or downward movement of The Gentle Leader).  The upwards tension works like a slip collar or prong collar is generally (and correctly) used.
  

The below video is produced by the inventor of the Transitional Leash or Sidekick to show the basics of putting this on and off, and also a little bit on how it can be used.

So what purposes and help can this leash fulfill (only with your training, remember this is a tool for training)?

• Timing in dog training is very important in dog training.    This equipment makes it easier for you to time your corrections well.  Also because you don't let the leash out all the way, the corrections are easier to make and time well.   
• People who do not have great balance and mobility issues will find this equipment easier to work with.   They are less likely to have to work as hard and possibly get injured, but still be able to train their dog to go on a nice walk.
• I find using the nose loop will also ready the dog for any muzzle training that may be necessary, because they are used to something on their nose.
• It is easier to work and shut down a reaction from a dog with behavioral issues.  For me, this usually works better than a chain or prong for a dog with reactive behavioral issues by allowing them to calm down faster.  I often use this leash before going to collars that are better used with a behaviorally ready dog (with all the conditioning and molding training done beforehand).
• Your dog really does not have to know anything before using this equipment, as it should be used.

  Things to know when using this leash:

• This leash if configured into a nose loop, should never be used for distance work.  This would very much damage your dog's nose.   The nose loop is ONLY used for up close work.
• When in the nose loop, a backup collar should always be used.  My preference is my dog's chain collar or their well designed buckle flat collar.

This leash and the training method that I use with it have become part of my training for many clients.   At a later date, I will blog about the method used for training on this leash, which is more behaviorally orientated than obedience training orientated.

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