It’s time to take your dog for a walk. You get your collar or harness, attach the leash, and start walking. Only your dog won’t walk by your side and they keep crossing in front of you from side to side. Or maybe they constantly pull you to where they want to go and you get annoying comments from passers-by like, “who’s walking who?” (don’t you just love that one?). Does this sound like your dog? Leash walking training can help you and your dog have a more pleasant experience on your neighborhood adventures.
What Age Should You Start Leash Walking Training?
Leash walking training can start as early as 4 weeks, but can be done at any time, whether they are a puppy or an adult.
How Long Does It Take To Train A Dog To Walk On A Leash?
The length of time it takes to train your dog to walk on a leash varies. It can take as little as a few weeks if you are starting with a young pup. It may take longer if you are training an older dog who is set in their ways and is used to walking their own way.
The important thing is to stay consistent throughout training and don’t give up!
How Do I Get My Dog To Walk Nicely On A Leash?
Training a dog to walk nicely on a leash takes time and patience. Start out slowly with short training sessions and gradually increase the time and distance you walk.
The steps to leash walk training your dog are simple. It’s sticking with the training on a daily basis that is hard. But don’t give up!
Supplies You Will Need To Leash Walk Your Dog
First, decide if you are going to use a collar or a harness. We are partial to harnesses, but some people prefer to use a collar. If you have a short nosed dog, do not use a collar, as this may cause breathing issues.
Next, determine what type of leash you want to use. Choose one that will be strong enough to hold your dog. If you have a small dog, a thin, nylon leash is ok. If you have a large dog, you may want something thicker and of a strong material, like leather or rope.
The leash should be no more than 6 feet in length. Do not use a retractable leash to train your dog, as this type of leash will encourage your dog to pull.
I Have My Materials, Now What?
You now want to get your dog used to the harness/collar and leash you have bought.
Let your dog smell them. Put them on your dog for a few minutes at a time to get them used to it.
If your dog is older and is already familiar with these, you can skip this step.
Inside/Backyard Training
Before bringing your dog on a walk, it is important they know some basic commands.
When you are training your dog, you will want to use keywords or a clicker to let your dog know this is the action you want done. Have a treat bag with small training treats with you as you train. Large treats may distract your dog from their training. Positive reinforcement leash walking training is the way to go.
Sit
Make sure your dog knows the sit command. If they don’t, take the time to teach them. Say “sit”, praise and reward them when your dog follows the command. This will come in handy later.
Look
You will want to teach your dog to look at you. Each time you say your dog’s name and they look at you, praise them, use a keyword like “look”, and reward them. This will be beneficial on your walks in case they get distracted or anxious by something, like another dog.
Heel
Next, start to walk with the leash. Decide if you would like your dog to walk on your left or right side. As you take your first few steps, use a word like “heel” to let your dog know to start walking. Again, when they perform the action, say your keyword, praise them and give them a treat.
Now, take a few steps. As your dog walks with you at your side, keep praising them and giving them a treat every few steps.
Puppies tend to have short attention spans, so keep your training sessions short – 15 minutes tops.
An older dog may be able to train a bit longer before losing interest. The key is to stop the training before your dog gets tired. This will keep them interested in the activity and they will equate it with something fun.
Once your dog has gotten the hang of things, it is time to try walking in your neighborhood.
Leash Walking Training In Your Neighborhood
Now that your dog has a basic understanding of how to walk with you on a leash, it’s time to venture out into the neighborhood.
Walking through your neighborhood will present some challenges for your dog. There will be a ton of new smells, people and cars going by, not to mention other dogs or animals.
Start slowly. Walk only a few houses to start and gradually increase your distance.
- Say “heel” and start taking a few steps. As your dog walks with you, praise them and give them a treat. Do this every few steps.
- Then, increase the distance you walk before giving them the next treat. Keep increasing the distance you walk before giving them the next treat. Only give them a treat as long as they are walking at your side.
If your dog gets distracted, say their name and your keyword “look” to have them look in your direction. Praise and reward them when they do so. When the distraction has passed, continue on with your walk.
It should be noted that it is important to let your dog sniff and smell while out on a walk. This is how they become familiar with the area and it provides them with mental stimulation as well.
What Do I Do When It Is Time To Cross The Street When Leash Walking Training My Dog?
When you are leash walking your dog and it is time to cross the street, your basic training commands will come in handy.
At the corner of the street, or wherever you wish to cross, give your dog the “sit” command. Again, praise and reward your dog when they sit.
When it is safe to cross, give the “heel” command so your dog knows it is time to start walking again. Praise and reward them for heeling and continue with your walk.
How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Pulling On The Leash While Walking?
As your dog is walking they may be enticed by all the smells surrounding them. They may get excited when a person or another dog walks by. This may cause them to pull on the leash during your walks.
Your dog needs to know that this is not acceptable. Do not yell at your dog or pull them back towards you. Just stop in your tracks and don’t move. This will let your dog know that pulling will not get them to go anywhere. Once your dog comes to your side, then you can continue on with your walk.
If this tactic does not work and your dog continues to pull, you can try changing directions and start walking the other way so now your dog has to follow you instead of pulling you where they want to go.
How Do I Walk A Dog That Pulls?
If your dog pulls when you walk and the above tactics aren’t working, there are a few products you can try.
The Gentle Leader Headcollar goes over the bridge of your dog’s snout. Don’t worry, it will not disrupt your dog’s breathing. Using this leash, it is impossible for your dog to walk in front of you.
If a harness is more your style, there are No Pull Dog Harnesses available. These harnesses have a clip in the front that makes it difficult for your dog to pull when they are walking.
A leash designed for dogs that pull can provide you with extra help if you need it. These include a double handled leash, a short leash, and there is also the option of an all-in-one harness/leash that can help you control your dog’s pulling while walking.
It is wonderful to be able to spend time with your dog on a nice walk. Leash walking training enables your dog to walk calmly at your side while exploring your neighborhood together.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.