How to Use the Double Leash Lock-Off to Train Your Dog

The double leash lock-off is a dog training method developed by master animal trainer Brandon McMillan. The technique allows you to control your dog’s impulsive decisions using two dog leashes, a collar, and a harness. Attach one end of the back leash to your dog’s harness, and anchor the other end to a stake in the ground or a heavy object. Attach the front leash—the guide leash—to your dog's collar, and use it to gently lead your dog's head in the direction you want them to go.

This system prevents your dog from moving forward, backward, left, or right, and provides an efficient way to gain greater control of your dog. Once you have control over your dog, you can use this method to teach your dog various commands.

To use the double leash lock-off, you'll need: a collar, a harness, and two six-foot training leashes. When using the double leash lock-off to teach your dog a command, you'll often need a bag of treats as well.

1. 1. Set up your back anchor leash. Loop the handle end of your anchor leash around a secure object like a stake in the ground, an eye bolt on a fence, or the leg of a heavy table. For large dogs, make sure your anchor point is extra secure. Then, attach the other end of the anchor leash to your dog's harness.
2. 2. Set up your front guide leash. Attach your second leash to your dog’s collar. This is your guide leash. Hold the handle end of the guide leash with your hand so you can use it to gently correct your dog's movements.
3. 3. Choose a command to teach your dog. Now that both leashes are attached, you can gently pull the front leash to straighten your dog's body and lock off movement. Pick a command to teach your dog, and use your guide leash to gently control your dog to help them perform the command correctly.

Start your dog in a sitting position on some form of higher ground: a table, a curb, a couch—somewhere that will allow you to place your treat hand below their body. From there, you’ll want to employ the double leash lock-off. The leash attached to your dog’s harness will act as an anchor, while the leash attached to their collar can be used to gently lead their head in the direction you want it to go (i.e., down).

1. 1. Once you have your dog in a sitting position, hold your hand near their mouth with a treat placed between your first two fingers. You’re now ready to begin the command.
2. 2. As you say “down”—remember to annunciate—move the treat away from your dog’s mouth and below their body, guiding them toward a down position.
3. 3. Continue to say the command and coax your dog’s body downward with the treat until their elbows hit the surface. If they’re stubborn and refuse to go down, wait them out. They eventually give up and lie down out of boredom.
4. 4. As soon as your dog enters a down position, reward them with a treat and heavy praise.
5. 5. Continue to pay your dog with treats so long as their elbows remain down. Don’t forget to continue saying “down.”
6. 6. Reset your dog and repeat.
7. 7. As your pup begins to get the down technique, stand up and add some distance between the two of you. Once your dog masters the pedestal, move to level ground and continue training.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially—”no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.