How to Teach Your Dog to Walk on a Leash?

Last Updated on September 21, 2021 Ashley Camelia

Are you worried about teaching your dog to walk on a leash? To be honest, the type of training can be tough. But it is one crucial skill you must teach your dog if you want to enjoy his company.

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The best thing is to start practicing as soon as the new puppy is home. But the question is how to teach your dog to walk on a leash? Well, let’s find the best possible answer to teach you about leashing.

 

How to Teach Your Dog to Walk on a Leash?

Get your puppy used to the collar and leash

Before making an attempt to walk him, let your puppy get used to the collar and leash. Let the dog drag the leash around the home attached to the collar. The thing is you want the dog to be comfortable with the leash and not afraid of it.

Try Short Training Sessions in Familiar Areas

Typically the puppy has a short attention span. It is impossible for him to keep interested in training for some time. Being with a simple walk in the backyard, around the house, or any familiar place. It will help your dog to smell exciting new odors.

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Appreciate good behavior

When you are walking with the dog, heap on the praise and appreciate him with some occasional treat. Don’t pull your dog along. If the dog resists leaving the spot, the pulling may injure him. Instead, reward the dog for coming when you call him for the walk.

Keep a short leash

This may seem like a negative aspect to most humans, but keeping the dog on a short leash in crucial to leash training success. It will be much easier for your dog to walk next to you when he has less room to stray away from your side.

Keep the dog at your side

Just like the short leash, rather than keeping the dog in front, try to keep your dog at your side to easily control his direction. When you allow the dog to walk in front or behind, they may wander off and start smelling everything that comes across. This helps to prevent the leash from becoming tangled underneath the dog.

Give Dog some time to do his business

A decent long walk is like a remedy for many dogs to relieve themselves. But the dogs like to mark their territory. There are chances that the dog may want to sniff around the place to find an ideal spot.

If you notice such activity, give him a leash for exploring and do his business. Once the dog is done, don’t forget to reward him with a treat or praise. Remember, dogs don’t always empty their bladders at once. Many dogs may search for different spots to urinate.

It is important to reward him only the first time, or he will begin to understand positive links with marking various times. In other words, it will make you walk more difficult. The dog will start to walk better when he realizes that he only gets the single opportunity to relieve himself.

Find a Space

The dog is curious in nature. So every dog wants to rush to particular sports on the walk or linger in his favorite spot. It is vital to select a space that is suitable for both of you. You don’t want him to pull because it may cause injuries. When you notice the dog is struggling to maintain a specific space, stop and allow him to come back and then re-establish a comfortable place.

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Selecting the Best Collar or Harness and Leash

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There are different types of harnesses, collars, and leashes available on the market. But choosing the right one to leash train your dog can be difficult.

The most common type of choice is Neck Collars. Harnesses are getting popular nowadays as an excellent leash training tool for dogs. There are many types of leashes available. For instance, you will find the chains, retractable, multiple, and adjustable dog leashes. Make sure to pick the leash which is best for your dog.

A large leash can add unwanted weight to small dogs. On the other hand, a small leash is not ideal for big dogs.

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Stopping unwanted Behaviors

A dog has all types of bad habits when walking. The most common one is pulling. If pull, give your dog less slack on the leash. The more lead gives him a sense of exploring. Also, if your dog pulls, stop walking, and use some verbal cue such as “no pull or “oops.” Now, wait for the loose leash before walking again.

Don’t forget to use treats and positive reinforcements in leashing training. It will help in correcting the behavior of your dog.

When you notice that the dog is pulling for a specific reason like strangers, wildlife, or another dog, it may be the best time to walk in another direction or wait for the new discovery to pass. Because you want to prevent any injuries or letting dogs think that pulling is a good thing.

Walking with the Pack

When a dog is leash trained, it is a wise decision to walk him alone (even you have another dog in-home). Having more than one dog can be dangerous and distracting too. Until you are sure that your dog is trained and familiar with his temperament, you must walk him by himself. When you are confident that he is ready, you can comfortably walk multiple dogs at the same time.

Night Walk in Important

Sometimes you have to walk with your dog at night. Now leash training is more important at night time because a dog can see things that humans are unable to. Do you want your dog to pull and yank the leash out and make it hard to find him at night? So, keep him close and walk on a pathway (in the view of light, if possible).

Walking with your dog is a decent bonding time for you and the dog. By teaching your dog to walk on a leash, you strengthen the relationship with your best walking partner.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I get the dog to stop pull on the leash?

The best way to teach your dog without pulling on the leash is to immediately stop moving when the dog pulls and to reward the dog with treats when he walks by your side. You can also toss a ball or tug a toy if the dog is not interested in food treats.

2. Why does the dog always pull on a leash?

There is a straightforward reason for dog pulling. It is just because dogs have learned that’s who they have to move forward. When the dog pulls, just take a step in the dog’s direction, it will give him a clear signal that pulling works.

3. What age should I start leash training a puppy?

The best age to teach leash training to your puppy is 8 weeks. Try to wear your puppy a collar for some time so that he gets used to it. It’s a fun game to teach your dog a leash walk. You can also teach a leash walk to your puppy from 10-12 weeks. Also, you can check out the FREE Dog Training Mini-Course Here!