As dog owners, walking our dog is what kneading dough is to the baker, what walking by the pier is to the Coast Guard, and what scoring home runs is to the seasoned baseball player. It’s a fundamental part of our lives. It is such a common tradition that we may be startled to find out that dogs are, in fact, not born knowing how to walk by our sides on a leash.
Many people may experience unnecessary frustrations, such as their dog pulling them. Suddenly, this precious moment becomes a tug-of-war of control, making bystanders wonder who is walking who.
Walking your dog without a leash compromises their safety and your own peace of mind. You should enjoy the walk as much as they do and not worry about where your excited pooch might run to.
Dogs need to be trained to walk with a leash. The best moment to begin is when they’re puppies, though adult dogs can still be prepared to wear a leash. There are many training techniques to solve various issues, such as pulling.
Read all about how to leash train your dog in four easy steps.
Leash Training Preparation
If you are beginning your leash training journey with your puppy, introduce the puppy to the collar, harness, and leash. First, your dog must get used to wearing a collar or harness. Put it on them gently and reward them once they comply to wear it.
Gently introduce them to the leash. Use lots of positive reaffirmation and treats so they make positive associations. Help them understand that you are in control and that they must follow your commands. Leash training time should mean food and fun!
Choosing A Leash
There are many types of leashes on the market, and choosing the right one is a good start. Harnesses are good choices if your dog has a tendency to pull. A front attachment harness is safe and easy to use. A head collar could be a good choice if your dog is big or has aggressive tendencies.
Leash Length Matters
Be aware that leashes shouldn’t be longer than six feet for both front attachment harnesses and head collars. If your dog runs quickly and too far, they may get injured when hitting the end of the leash abruptly.
Retractable leashes are not good choices for many reasons: they can let your dog go to undesired places and encourage your dog to pull.
Leash Training in Four Easy Steps
Step 1: Walking by your side.
- Attach a long rope or leash (that is about 10 – 20 feet long) to their collar or harness. Take them to a familiar and safe place outdoors, and bring your dog’s treats.
- Decide which side you want your dog to walk next to you. Once you’ve decided this, reward your pooch whenever they walk on the desired side. They’ll soon start to rush to your side when they understand that this means they’ll get a treat.
- Walk randomly around the yard or outdoors area, and every time your dog chooses to walk beside you, give them a treat. Remember to reward them from the side you chose, lightly tapping on your thigh to get their attention, and don’t forget to praise them!
- Practice this until your dog is more often by your side than not.
Step 2: “Let’s go!”
- Walk about your yard and when your dog drifts to another direction or stops to smell something, wait a moment and say, “Let’s go!” in an upbeat voice, slapping your thighs to get their attention.
- When they return to you, give them a treat and praise them! Give them more treats and praise as they remain by your side. (Don’t forget to keep walking around and watch your feet!)
- If your dog does not return and you notice that the leash is tight, gently pull on it. Don’t use excessive force; the pull is just to remind your dog that you’re waiting for them. When they come towards you, praise and reward (good doggy!).
- Practice this until your dog returns promptly when you say “Let’s go!”
See also
Step 3: “Go Sniff!”
- When walking your dog, there are moments when they’ll need to go to the bathroom. You can teach your dogs good manners by letting them know when and where they can do this. That’s what the “Go Sniff!” command is about.
- As you walk with your dog on a leash about every 5 minutes, reward them; instead of giving them a treat, tell them, “Go sniff!”
- Stand still, allow your dog to sniff around, and go potty if needed.
- Once they’re done sniffing, tell them, “Let’s go,” and move forward.
Step 4: Time to shorten the leash.
- Gradually shorten the leash to its definitive length.
- Introduce challenges such as walking faster or slower, stopping or changing directions suddenly, and see if your dog stays by your side.
- Keep on rewarding, but reduce the frequency of treats.
- Have fun and enjoy leash training!
What if my dog pulls?
Stop and stand still if your dog tends to pull in another direction. Don’t pull back or yell at your dog, this might stress your dog. Just stop right on your track and don’t move until your dog returns to you. Become a “street light.” They must understand that they cannot move forward if they pull. Once your dog returns to you and stands by your side, reward them and continue walking.
Conclusion
Walking with your dog on a leash should be a breeze for you: A moment of relaxation for both of you to enjoy the outdoors. A moment to get away from screens and hopefully unwind from your daily worries. If you adequately train your dog to follow your commands, you’ll feel bonded and in control of the walk. This will also take much stress off your dog, as they will feel safe to enjoy their precious outside time with their favorite person.
