Slip Leash Handling - The complete system

Welcome to the Slip Leash Handling Course — where calm meets clear communication. This program is built to transform the way you walk and work with your dog by focusing on the psychology behind the leash, not just the technique.

Inside, you’ll find step-by-step videos breaking down leash philosophy, body mechanics, pressure and release, and real-life examples that show it all in action. You’ll also get access to a full-length, 60-minute masterclass where I coach real clients through common handling challenges — so you can see how small adjustments create big changes.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your leash skills, this course will help you handle with purpose, not tension.

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Module # 1: Mindset Before Movement

Video 1: Energy, Emotion & the Leash

Before we think about mechanics, we need to understand how our emotional state affects the leash — and the dog. In this video, you'll learn how breathing, posture, and inner calm shape your presence. The leash doesn't lead the dog — your mindset does.

Video 2: What Is a Slip Leash?

A clear, simple breakdown of what a slip leash is, how it works, and why it's the most honest tool for communicating pressure and release. This sets the foundation for everything we’ll build in later modules.

Module 2: Clarity at the Start

Video 1: Fitting & Using the Slip Leash Correctly

A powerful tool only works when it's used properly. In this video, I’ll show you exactly how to fit the slip leash for safety, clarity, and consistent communication — so the leash becomes a guide, not a source of confusion.

Video 2: Posting Up — The Reset Move

“Posting up” is my go-to move for helping clients reset their dog’s mindset. You’ll learn how to bring your dog into a calm sit right next to you, what it communicates, and how it anchors both you and your dog before moving forward.

Module 3: Real Resistance, Real Handling

Video 1: Dog Resisting the Car — Timing, Pressure, and Release in Action

This is a raw, uncut look at a private lesson where a dog refuses to get into a car. Pay close attention to the timing of when I apply pressure, when I release it, and how I communicate through the leash. This video is a chance to see the psychology at work in real time — watch it more than once if you need to. The nuance is everything.

Video 2: When a Dog Won’t Get Up

Whether it’s hesitation, stubbornness, or stress, dogs sometimes just shut down. This video shows you how to use the leash to guide your dog up from a lying down position in a calm, clear way that respects the dog’s state of mind.

Video 3: Leash Refusal — When the Dog Won’t Walk

Every handler runs into this. In this video, I walk you through how to respond when your dog plants their feet and won’t move forward. It’s about communicating “I’ve got you” — not forcing compliance.

Module 4: The Walk Starts Before You Step Outside

Video 1: Time Over Destination

It’s not about where you go — it’s about how you go. In this video, I break down why a 30-minute walk focused on calm, intentional movement is more powerful than a chaotic rush to reach a certain place. You may not get far at first, but you’ll be teaching your dog what matters most. Remember: the walk starts the moment you grab the leash.

Video 2: Preparing for the Walk — Step by Step

Every action leading up to the walk is communication. This video walks you through how to reduce excitement while gearing up — boots, keys, bags, whatever it is — and how to give your dog clear direction from the very first movement.

Video 3: The Warm-Up — Sync Before You Step

Don’t just open the door and go. Learn how to mentally and physically connect with your dog before leaving the house so they’re tuned into you — not scanning the world for distractions.

Video 4: The Walk

This is what it’s all been building toward. You’ll see what a calm, structured walk looks like: where your dog should be positioned, how your posture influences the leash, and how to bring everything from the course together into real movement.

Module 5: Following vs. Exploring — Knowing the Difference

Video 1: Understanding the Modes — Following & Exploring

Dogs are either following your lead or exploring their environment — and it's your job to know which is which and when it's appropriate. This video breaks down the psychology behind both modes so you can be intentional with how you walk.

Videos 2 & 3: Real-Life Examples of Following

Watch two different examples of dogs in “follow” mode. You’ll see how body language, leash feel, and handler posture all work together to keep the dog in sync with you.

Video 4: Exploring with Intention

In this off-leash example, I show dogs in a healthy exploratory state. You have 2 options if your dog is on leash; (1) Be the tree — stay still and let your dog sniff, or (2) Follow your dog with slack. If you walk behind your dog with tension in the leash, you’ll undo everything we’ve built so far. This one’s a game-changer.

Module 6: Deep Dive & Real-Life Breakdown

Podcast: Following & Exploring Revisited

In this short, focused podcast, I take a deeper dive into the concept of following vs. exploring — unpacking some of the subtleties I see people miss and how this mindset shift can change your walks for good.

Leash Handling Masterclass

In this hour-long masterclass, I break down video of five different dogs on leash, highlighting what each handler is doing well and where improvements can be made. You’ll see how the principles from every module come to life in real-world moments. Watch this one more than once — the clarity comes in layers.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your leash handling skills, this course is designed to help you slow down, build clarity, and truly connect with your dog. Every video, every concept, and every moment on the leash is about communication — not control. When you understand the psychology behind the leash, you stop managing behavior and start shaping it. Take your time, revisit the modules, and let this work sink in. Your dog will thank you for it — and you’ll start to enjoy your walks more than ever.

- Ian Grant