Dog Training - Walking on a Leash in 4 Dead Simple Steps! Stop Your Pet From Pulling on the Leash!

November 29, 2017

Dog training in walking on a leash is one of the most basic forms of dog training out there. At the same time it's crucial to teach your dog this important skill as you want to have full control over your pet in the future. Dogs don't know that pulling on a leash is considered to be a bad behavior and will reinforce this bad habit unless you take appropriate action to stop it. Also, remember that's it's much easier to teach a puppy to walk on a leash than to teach the same to an older dog as the latter one (due to his age an experience) will be more resistant to your commands.

Dog Training - Walking On A Leash Part 1 - Buy An Appropriate Leash

This step is not a crucial one but it is important if you want to start leash training on the right foot. Make sure to purchase a standard leather collar that's loose enough to put it onto your dog's neck without strangling him. Any forms of choke collars are not recommended as they will do more harm to your pet than good.

You don't want to use negative reinforcement training that's based on punishing the wrong behaviors as a main training tool as it works worse than positive reinforcement techniques and often harms the dog. Also, don't buy a leash that's adjustable in length or too short. You don't want your dog to think that he can always pull a bit more to get further or walk on a tense leash that's making him uncomfortable.

Dog Training - Walking On A Leash Part 2 - Get Him Used To The Leash

Second step involves putting the collar onto your dog's neck and attaching the leash to it. Let your dog run free while having both of these items on. You want him to get used to wearing them and forget about them if possible. If he tries to dislodge the collar or scratch it off don't help him. Instead, wait till he calms down and then take it off.

Dog Training - Walking On A Leash Part 3 - Where To Start?

Ok, now you will want to find a place in your neighborhood that your dog feels comfortable in and with as little distractions present as possible (a driveway or garden would be perfect). If you can't think of such spot simply start the training inside your flat. Your pet has to stay fully focused on the subject so keep this in mind while choosing the appropriate location. Also, if you decide to go outside and your dog gets all excited about it (jumps around, barks etc.) wait for him to calm down first. He has to understand that being naughty will not get him far and the only way to go on a walk is by listening to your commands.

Dog Training - Walking On A Leash Part 4 - Don't Let Him Pull On The Leash

Ok, the rules for leash training are pretty simple. Every time your dog starts to drag you somewhere stop, say firmly 'Ah-ah' and wait till he slacks the leash and comes back. If he does shower him with praise and reward for good behavior with a tasty treat. If you want to start from the very beginning and make it as simple and clear as possible for your dog make no more than two or three steps at a time and stop.

Wait for your dog to join you and sit down (command him to 'sit'). Again, if he obeys your orders praise him cheerfully and if he doesn't - stop and tell him to come back. This part is all about patience (first few walks may not get you both further than the driveway) and consistency so keep repeating the same exercise and you will eventually have your pet leash trained.