How To Train A Dog To Walk On A Leash
Learning how to train a dog to walk on a leash is a extremely important lesson because it will make you & your canine's life so much easier. Even if you live in the country where daily walks are not always necessary it is still important to train your dog to walk on a leash correctly. It is beneficial when going to the vet or any outing and is just an all around great tool!
The best place to start is when they are puppies. Really it's the best time to begin any training of your canine. How ever if your dog isn't a puppy don't give up! Don't give in to the saying that 'Old dog's can't learn new tricks' because they can! Normally it is much easier to get your puppy trained then wait till they are older or set in bad habits etc. but it is most definitely NOT impossible to train an older dog. Don't be discouraged.
The best place to start is when they are puppies. Really it's the best time to begin any training of your canine. How ever if your dog isn't a puppy don't give up! Don't give in to the saying that 'Old dog's can't learn new tricks' because they can! Normally it is much easier to get your puppy trained then wait till they are older or set in bad habits etc. but it is most definitely NOT impossible to train an older dog. Don't be discouraged.
Training
Train Off Leash
Before training on leash teach your dog to stay close (by your side) with out a leash. Knowing the ''close'' (or whatever you may choose) command will greatly aid when you move on to on leash training.It is also a great command on its on. To teach the close command put a treat in your hand and put it close to his nose so he can smell it. As he is close say ''close'' and give him his treat. Continue this as you start to walk a few steps. As he walks beside you reward him with small treats with the close command so he understands staying close is a good thing. Practice this repeatedly till your dog will walk by your side for a distance with the close command and then get his reward.
Choosing Leash & Collar
To begin you should have a plain, appropriate sized, lightweight but durable leash and collar. A training leash can also be used. Often this means your basic nylon. There are also many head & harness type collars that can be great for 'pullers' because they are especially designed to deter tugging. Choke collars are definitely under debate, some use them as a tool while others claim they are cruel and punishment based. There is no question they can do damage and are not a good choice. They should not be used especially for smaller dogs & those with neck, tracheal or other breathing problems. Choke collars and leashes do what the name implies. As your dog pulls they constrict 'choke' around the neck. It's not a very effective way to train as many dogs just keep pulling, how ever Iv seen them used in a positive way with dogs who were difficult to leash (in that it could be easily slipped on). I don't recommend them for training as they are misused.
Make your Dog Comfortable
Once you have an appropriate collar and leash you should make sure your dog is comfortable with a collar. Puppies & dogs who aren't already use to wearing collars may not be too thrilled at first. Others may be fine and even excited but if yours isn't than it is best to put a collar on as you give them a tasty little treat. This way they are not only distracted with something positive but that can lead to a connection of tasty treats & collars. Making the whole experience as positive as possible is key.
Now that you have it on it is important to make sure they are comfortable with their collar before moving on to a leash or things could quickly go down hill. Once they seem at ease with the collar do the same thing with attaching the leash. Use a small treat reward or other positive distraction and fasten the leash. Now it's time for them to become comfortable with the leash. Don't start tugging and pulling them because they won't understand, they will only become frustrated and confused. You can just let it hang for a little bit but don't let them run out of sight. It's dangerous to leave a hanging leash on a dog when unsupervised.
On The Leash
Once your dog is comfortable with their leash it's time to pick it up. This changes things a bit because now your dog can't simply go his own way but he may not be interested in that yet, he could want to simply follow you which is great! Also start using the close command that he has already learned. Teaching him to keep a loose leash. If it is loose then reward him because that's what you want! Your goal is to be able to calmly walk your dog with a loose leash.
Walk The Dog
Using your close command should help keep your dog loose leashed. Walking your dog should NOT consist of tugging and dragging. If your dog tries to pull the leash in any way do not reward this behavior! A reward is not just a treat it could letting him drag you where ever he wishes, by simply being dragged along you are letting him know that this behavior is acceptable and will get him where he wants faster.
Before training on leash teach your dog to stay close (by your side) with out a leash. Knowing the ''close'' (or whatever you may choose) command will greatly aid when you move on to on leash training.It is also a great command on its on. To teach the close command put a treat in your hand and put it close to his nose so he can smell it. As he is close say ''close'' and give him his treat. Continue this as you start to walk a few steps. As he walks beside you reward him with small treats with the close command so he understands staying close is a good thing. Practice this repeatedly till your dog will walk by your side for a distance with the close command and then get his reward.
Choosing Leash & Collar
To begin you should have a plain, appropriate sized, lightweight but durable leash and collar. A training leash can also be used. Often this means your basic nylon. There are also many head & harness type collars that can be great for 'pullers' because they are especially designed to deter tugging. Choke collars are definitely under debate, some use them as a tool while others claim they are cruel and punishment based. There is no question they can do damage and are not a good choice. They should not be used especially for smaller dogs & those with neck, tracheal or other breathing problems. Choke collars and leashes do what the name implies. As your dog pulls they constrict 'choke' around the neck. It's not a very effective way to train as many dogs just keep pulling, how ever Iv seen them used in a positive way with dogs who were difficult to leash (in that it could be easily slipped on). I don't recommend them for training as they are misused.
Make your Dog Comfortable
Once you have an appropriate collar and leash you should make sure your dog is comfortable with a collar. Puppies & dogs who aren't already use to wearing collars may not be too thrilled at first. Others may be fine and even excited but if yours isn't than it is best to put a collar on as you give them a tasty little treat. This way they are not only distracted with something positive but that can lead to a connection of tasty treats & collars. Making the whole experience as positive as possible is key.
Now that you have it on it is important to make sure they are comfortable with their collar before moving on to a leash or things could quickly go down hill. Once they seem at ease with the collar do the same thing with attaching the leash. Use a small treat reward or other positive distraction and fasten the leash. Now it's time for them to become comfortable with the leash. Don't start tugging and pulling them because they won't understand, they will only become frustrated and confused. You can just let it hang for a little bit but don't let them run out of sight. It's dangerous to leave a hanging leash on a dog when unsupervised.
On The Leash
Once your dog is comfortable with their leash it's time to pick it up. This changes things a bit because now your dog can't simply go his own way but he may not be interested in that yet, he could want to simply follow you which is great! Also start using the close command that he has already learned. Teaching him to keep a loose leash. If it is loose then reward him because that's what you want! Your goal is to be able to calmly walk your dog with a loose leash.
Walk The Dog
Using your close command should help keep your dog loose leashed. Walking your dog should NOT consist of tugging and dragging. If your dog tries to pull the leash in any way do not reward this behavior! A reward is not just a treat it could letting him drag you where ever he wishes, by simply being dragged along you are letting him know that this behavior is acceptable and will get him where he wants faster.
TIPS: DO
- DO begin training in a safe, quiet distraction free area. Especially in the off leash training stage.
- DO be patient as training a dog to walk on a leash or retraining a dog to properly walk on a leash can take time.
- DO practice taking your dog to new places for walks once hes learned his basics. You want him to learn to walk well on leash even with distractions. *Stay Leashed
TIPS: DON'T
- DON'T let your dog pull and drag you. If he pulls stop until he is loose leashed then continue. This is teaching him pulling does not get you there faster. You can also try turning and go in the opposite direction.
- DON'T jerk your dog or drag a dog by the leash or collar
- DON'T turn walking on a leash into a tug of war or a battle of the wills
Don't Give Up
Don't become frustrated or give up, this will take some work. Stay clear about what you want your dog or puppy to do or they will never understand. Stick with it! They are not born knowing these things so must be taught but it should be in a positive way. Learning how to train a dog to walk on a leash will be a GREAT tool and even though it may take some time, and most definitely patience and consistency. You will be extremely happy with the reward of walking your dog on leash with ease.
