Leash Training Your Dog

Many dog lovers think that dogs just innately know how to walk politely on a leash, but this skill is something that needs to be trained. It’s important for you and your dog’s safety, as well as that of the people around you. Not to mention the other smaller animals your dog would be chasing otherwise!. Since all dogs have a prey drive which can cause them to run away and get lost, training becomes essential.

Training your dog to walk on a lead, or loose lead walking, is essentially training your dog to walk by your side. This is a good exercise to practice to ensure walks with your dog are safe and enjoyable for both of you.

Start Leash Training in Puppyhood

It is even becomes more essential to start a Leash Training while your dog is still young. Puppies naturally walk faster and have a curious drive, it’s a great big and new world for them!.

Although you may be excited to take your pup for a walk right away, puppies simply don’t have innate leash manners built-in.

It’s considerably easier and smarter to first practice all of your walk training exercises with a young puppy on-leash indoors. .

Also, have a simple rule that no one, that is no one, is allowed to walk the pup on-leash outdoors, not even a single step, unless they can walk the puppy dog without them pulling.

Teaching your puppy to walk on a leash requires training a few basic obedience commands, the right equipment, patience, and lots of practice

Choosing a Dog Leash

Purchasing a quality collar and leash that is appropriate for the size and breed of your pet is so important. The right collar should be made of soft yet sturdy material and allow two fingers to fit snug between the collar and the pet’s neck, not allowing the pet to be able to maneuver out of the collar.

The leash should attach securely to the collar, be of substantial thickness and durability and have a lead no longer than a few feet. The lead refers to how long the leash is-any more than a few feet and the owner no longer truly has control of the pet, which can be a huge safety issue.

Equipment Needed

• Collars; buckle or Chain collars
• Head halter
• Harness
• Leash: Leather, cotton or Chain leashes. a 4-6 foot (around 1-2m) and non-retractable leash is recommended when getting started.
• Treats; Training treats should be small, easily eaten and exciting. Treats are a great way to encourage your dog’s happy participation in the training process.
• Clicker; Clickers can work really well to mark behaviors.

Dog Leash Training Tips And Techniques

Introduce Collar and Leash

Introduce the puppy to the collar or harness and leash. Start out by letting him get used to wearing a collar or harness and a leash. Let him wear them for short periods of time in the house while you are playing with him and giving him treats.

Loose Leash Walking

Loose leash walking is exactly what it sounds like. It means walking with your dog near you, with a “smile” in the leash: the leash hangs from your dog’s harness or collar and swoops down before coming up to meet the other end in your hand. There is no tension in the leash, which means there’s no pulling, which also means your wrists and arms aren’t sore!

1. Begin practicing in the house! Starting out inside your home is important for every behavior because dogs cannot learn something new in chaos and distraction.
2. Call your dog to your side, and then reward them with a treat.
3. Take a few energetic steps forward (keeping her engaged by talking to her) and treat her again when she meets you at your side.
4. Repeat this exercise walking around your house, until your dog has caught on and is eagerly awaiting their next treat.
5. Next, you will add your equipment (collar, harness, leash) and repeat the above steps until she is happily walking loosely at your side.
6. Once your dog has mastered loose leash walking inside, take them outdoors. Practice in a distraction-free area until your dog is a pro.

Heeling

The “Heel” command refers to having your puppy walking beside you or at your heel. Teaching your puppy to walk in Heel position with a loose leash can be easier if you’ve previously taught your puppy some basic commands already.

With this technique, your dog always walks at your left or right side, whichever is best for you. Your dog should keep to your pace, and stop when you stop.

As with loose leash walking, you will want to begin teaching this behavior in an area with minimal distractions, like your home. You can do this on or off-leash, however, you can prevent your dog from wandering by keeping her on leash.

1. With a really tasty treat or lick stick, lure your dog to your left side, rewarding immediately when your dog is directly next to you.
2. Take a step forward, lure your dog once more with a treat, and reward them once they’re at your side.
3. Move around, rewarding frequently only at your side. If she gets a bit too fast or stops, no rewards happen. Simply guide her back to your side and begin again.
4. Once your dog consistently stays by your side, you can teach them the “heel” cue. Say it once and reward your dog when they come to your side.
5. When you’re ready to stop, give your dog a release cue like, “all done” and throw them a treat in another direction.
6. Repeat the above outdoors until your dog has mastered heeling.