How To Train Your Dog To Walk On A Leash

Last Updated on September 18, 2022 by Editorial Team

If you’re looking for a way to get your dog to:

stay away from unwanted behavior,
walk cheerfully behind you,
stop when you stop,
turn when you turn,
do your basic commands while on the leash,
and continue to past other dogs and people,

you’ve come to the right place.

The most difficult thing you’ll have to teach him is how to walk on a leash, but it’s definitely worth the effort! To make this dream a reality, continue reading our training tips.

Before training Your Dog with A Leash

It is possible to avoid your dog from pulling by using a head collar of choice or a front attachment harness, but a dog must be taught how to walk beside you without tugging at all. A front-attachment harness is a no-pull device that is simple to use and safe for all breeds of dogs to wear.

Consider using a flat collar for dogs if he has aggressive tendencies or if you have a tiny dog and a large-breed dog.

Only leashes no longer than six feet should be used with the front-attachment harness and head collars. In other cases, he may be wounded if the leash or head halter is excessively long and he was to suddenly strike the end of it.

Reward The Dogs Periodically

Stop going ahead when he pulls, and reward him with goodies when he walks by your side. Professional dog trainers use two easy ways to leash train a puppy without him tugging on the leash. Training your dog with a reward bag around your waist may be really beneficial.

If your furry friend isn’t a big fan of tasty treats, you may substitute a tug toy, a chew toy, or a ball for the reward.

Simple Steps on Dog Leash Training

Here are some more detailed instructions on how to teach a dog to walk respectfully on loose leashes.

Step 1: Prepare The Reward You Need Along The Way

A long leash or leash that is 10 to 20 feet long (but not retractable leash) is the best way to begin leash training sessions. If you want to treat your dog, prepare some small pieces of fresh meat or cheese and take him to a place he is familiar with, such as your backyard.

Determine which side of the road you want your dog to walk on (left is traditional) to reward him for his good behavior. Select one of your thighs and give him a treat there. Because that’s where the tasty goodies emerge, he’ll quickly start to remain on that side!

Take a quick walk around your home. Keep yummy treats and plenty of praise when your dog decides to walk beside you instead of against you. If he continues to follow you, you should praise him for every step he takes with you.

You won’t have to reward him as often as he improves. Your dog may not be interested in you, so take him inside and try again when he is hungry.

Train your puppy on loose leashes until he can stay close to you at all times.

Step 2: Let Him Join Your Journey On The Park, Etc

As you begin the basics of leash training, walk your puppy around your yard. Please wait until your dog is on his own or trailing behind to smell or go pee before approaching him. In a cheerful voice, say, “let’s go,” and then move away from your dog. Slap your thigh the first few times to make sure he sees you.

When he catches up to you, give him a constant praise and handful of treats on the side. If he stays with you as you walk, reward him with a goodie every consecutive steps. Give him a bonus if he catches up with you soon.

While walking, if the leash is too tight and he doesn’t come near you, pause and apply light leash pressure. You want to remind him of your presence and make it somewhat uncomfortable for him to ignore you, but you don’t want to compel him toward you.

Once he comes towards you, praise him and let off the strain. You may encourage him by giving him constant praise and a treat as soon as he’s caught up with you. If he stays with you as you walk, reward him with a goodie every few steps.

In your yard, practice this phase of leash training a puppy until he comes back to your side when you say “let’s go” and stays by your side most of the time.

Step 3: Behavior Training for Sniffing and Peeing in The Right Place

When teaching a puppy on a leash, they need time and mental stimulation to relieve themselves, but if you be patient, it will help them develop better manners.

Instead of rewarding your dog every five minutes with food, say something like, “Go sniff,” and let him explore the area or pee while he’s still on the leash.

By saying “let’s leave” and walking the other way, you’re interrupting his free time, which he may be mistaken for something else. Begin walking as soon as you’re ready to end your journey.

Step 4: Know When It Is Time To End

Set a duration of training sessions on specific leash length. Dog leash training in your yard should be continued with a shorter leash, as in stages one through three. The leash length should eventually be reduced to six feet.

When leash training a puppy, practice leash walking skill quickly or slowly and halting and changing directions. Be prepared to reward him for staying by your side through these trials.

When he walks with you in regular situations, praise him less often. As long as you’re walking differently than normal or encountering a distraction like a human or animal, praise him for remaining by your side.

How About Going Out On The Street?

You’ll use the same leash training strategies you used in your yard in your neighborhood, but you’ll have to contend with new distractions and difficulties, such as nice strangers and squirrels and other dogs.

For better control, use a prong collars (correction collars), martingale collar, or a front-attachment harness, and bring some fresh meat or cheese as a reward.

Say, “Let’s go,” and then begin to move. Say “let’s go” and go in the opposite direction if he ignores you or pulls away. Treat him when he joins you on a stroll.

The more he struggles to pay attention, the more rewards you need to give. Sniff breaks are important while teaching a dog on a leash. There might be negative consequences if you don’t do it.

Challenge Your Dog with Interesting Activities to Use His Excess Energy

During leash training, don’t be afraid to push your dog’s limits.
Additional training routines if he is still active. For example, try clicker training.
Use a 6-foot leash and a regular harness when teaching a puppy to walk on a leash.
Toss a ball or other goodies around 20 feet away from you and your dog while holding the leash. Consistent training like this helps.
Say “let’s go” and move away from the thing if he tries to go closer. Permit him to walk with you as you move towards the goal until he has reached it and can accept it as his reward.
The longer the leash or, the less tempting the item, the easier it will be for him at first. If you are not sure about how long it should be, a professional trainer can give you a bespoke advice.
You may do difficult dog training trick only aafter your dog has been used to on the leash.
Using correction collars might be controversial since it might hurt some dogs’ neck. Be sure to make your dog comfortable.

Best programs to train your puppy or dog

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