How to lead train your dog

Contrary to what some people think, walking on a lead is not natural for a dog. It is a human desire that dogs need to learn, not something they are born with.

Training a dog to walk on a leash involves many elements, and owners need to consider the equipment, the method, and the location. But with the right steps, your dog can get used to walking on a leash. Here’s how to leash train your dog:

Why is leash training for dogs important?

Walking your dog provides exercise and mental stimulation. Keeping your dog on a lead in public places keeps him safe and is required by law in many places. Dogs who are used to life on a lead have more opportunities to do activities with you.

Having a dog used to being on a lead helps to prevent a common problem: lead reaction. Feeling restrained can be stressful for dogs, so it’s important that your puppy is used to being on a lead.

Leads are also beneficial for humans. Research suggests Dog walkers may experience less stress, whereas walking a difficult-to-leash dog may increase stress.

How to train your dog to walk on a leash

1. Build relationships

The key to successful leash training is building a strong relationship. Some dogs can feel vulnerable or irritable when tied to someone. A relationship with your dog that is based on consistency, predictability, and positive reinforcement will help prevent these negative emotions from arising.

If your dog is overly distracted, avoids training, or just doesn’t listen at all, consider meeting with a certified behavior consultant to have your pet evaluated.

2. Get the right gear

Harness: Collar Harnesses are great for displaying ID tags and personalizing your dog. However, a well-designed harness is recommended for walking. There are comfort-oriented and control-oriented harnesses. If your dog doesn’t have a tendency to pull, Back Clip Harness Might be a good choice. If your dog is already pulling and you need more control. Dual Clip Harness with Training Lead It’s a better option.

Head Halter: In some cases, dogs can be much stronger than humans, which can lead to safety issues. Head Halter are an option, but they should be used with care: Most dogs need additional training to get used to them, and pet owners also need to understand how to use them safely.

Leash: Flat or round Non-retractable lead Choosing the right leash length is important. Choosing the right leash length depends on the size of your dog, its walking habits, and your handling style. There are no formal studies on leash length, but many experts are working on leash training protocols that use longer leashes rather than shorter ones.

For example, if you’re walking a small or toy-sized dog, a 10-foot lead may be sufficient. If you’re walking a larger dog, you can move up to a 20- or 30-foot lead if you’re comfortable managing the length and keeping up with your dog’s behavior.

bag: a Multi-pouch treat bag with waist strap your snack, Poop bagyour phone, keys, and other necessities can be organised so you don’t have to search around for them, and you can focus on your dog.

marker: Markers, e.g. Clickeror words like “yes” tell your dog when he has completed a correct behavior, such as taking five steps without tension on the lead.

3. Set up your training environment

Choose your environment wisely: your dog needs a safe, distraction-free environment to learn new skills. Continue training in and around the house at first, then move to a quieter area away from the house.

4. Start without a lead

Start in your home, backyard, garage, or any fenced-in area that your dog is familiar with. This space should be free of distractions.

1. Take a bag of treats and a clicker or marker word, face your dog and place a treat on the ground in front of him. When he comes to eat it, slowly turn around and start walking away.

2. Once your dog starts walking with you, observe where he is positioned. Any position that is loose on a standard 6 foot lead is marked (with a click or by saying “yes”) and give your dog a treat.

3. Gradually increase the number of steps your dog must walk between marking and feeding, increasing the number of steps randomly (for example, 1 step, 3 steps, 2 steps, 4 steps, 1 step, etc.).

4. Once your dog is always walking next to you, act on the cue. Start walking by saying the cue before taking your first step. Mark and reward your dog with a treat as he walks next to you. Continue to randomly increase the number of steps between marking and the treat. Fun cues include “go,” “come here,” and “follow me.”

5. Introduction to Leads and Harnesses

Repeat the steps above with your dog in a harness and leash. Some dogs will jump right into the harness as if it were a second skin. Others may hesitate, run away or hide. Some may grab, bite or pull to avoid the harness.

Show your dog the lead and harness and observe how he reacts — if he hesitates to move forward or takes a step back when you approach him, he may need some time to get used to the equipment.

Pair the presentation of the harness with a tasty treat. If your dog turns his head towards the harness opening while you’re holding it, give him a small treat. Don’t try to use the treat to coax your dog into putting on the harness — you’re just trying to get him to develop a positive impression of the harness.

Instead of taking your dog for a walk straight away after putting the harness on, only let him wear it for a short period of time while he eats a treat or plays.

If your dog exhibits extreme reactions like running, hiding, shaking or growling, get a professional dog trainer to help with leash training.

6. Practice walking on a harness and leash

Begin practicing leaving the house by repeating step 4 while your dog is harnessed and leash. Your dog may get excited leaving the house or yard and pull, so it may take a little more time to train him to leave the house without pulling.

7. Practice away from home

Choose a location that is free of distractions. Put your dog on a long leash (10-30 feet) and let him explore. Your job is to let him set the pace and sniff whatever he wants for as long as he wants.

1. Once your dog has had a chance to explore its surroundings, get its attention by placing a treat on the ground in front of it. Once your dog comes to eat it, take up the slack and allow him to use a 6-8 foot lead.

2. After just a few steps together she will begin marking and feeding again, then release her to sniff and explore some more.

3. Continue to incorporate these short training sessions into longer walks, adding in cues to walk nearby. Over time, your dog will learn to follow the cue and walk next to you, then be released to explore.

Remember: When on a walk, your dog needs some choice and control over direction and pace. While it’s important for them to be able to walk beside you, you don’t need them to do so for the entire walk.

Dog leash training tips

• If you have an energetic dog, spend a bit of time playing in the yard before practicing leash training – this will help lower your dog’s energy levels before the walk, which may help them stay more focused and pull less.

• Use high value treats when leash training outside the home to get your dog’s attention, or you can reserve special treats to give only during leash training.

• Take your dog on walks just to sniff and let him set the pace and direction.

• A longer lead gives your dog a sense of freedom and reduces pulling behavior as there is no resistance to movement.

• Every time your dog gives you attention while on the lead, reinforce it.

What to do if your dog pulls on the lead

Pulling is your dog’s reaction to the pressure of the lead. Common causes of pulling are walking slowly, a short lead, or being attracted by an interesting scent.

If your dog pulls on the lead, don’t yell, tug at your dog, or pop the collar (a quick tug on the lead). Instead, it’s more effective to evaluate your dog’s training and the area you’re walking him in. If you’re in a high-traffic area like a farmer’s market or approaching a dog park, your dog may pull on the lead just out of excitement or curiosity.

If your dog pulls intermittently, immediately stop the walk and assume a stationary position. Once you feel your dog has released some tension, mark this by placing a treat on the ground and encouraging your dog to return to you for the reinforcer.

Then, walk in the opposite direction to resume the walking training portion, or Command your dog to sit, and once he sits, jog alongside him or lengthen the lead so he can return to where he was pulling.

Dogs may not be born with the ability to walk on a leash, but with consistency and positive reinforcement, outings on a leash can be enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Featured Image: Getty/fotografixx