There is no such thing as a bad dog… just untrained dogs. Follow these 10 tips and have your best friend leash trained furever.
Step 1: Start with basic obedience training
Teaching your dog basic obedience commands is crucial for leash training. Before you begin leash training, ensure that your dog understands basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’. This will make the training process easier, as your dog will already know what you expect of them. Training your dog to respond to commands also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. If you need to do basic obedience training check out our article on Basic Obedience Commands Fur Your Dog.
Step 2: Get the right equipment
The equipment you use for leash training is critical to your dog’s comfort and safety. A poorly fitting collar or harness can cause discomfort, restrict breathing, or even lead to injury. Invest in a sturdy and comfortable harness or collar that fits your dog properly. A harness with a front clip is recommended as it gives you more control over your dog’s movements. By investing in good equipment, you show your dog that you care about their well-being and want them to be comfortable during training. Click here to see our favourite front clip dog harness.
Step 3: Teach your dog to walk on a loose leash
Walking on a loose leash is an essential skill that every dog should know. With your dog on a leash and using a treat as a lure, start walking forward. If your dog pulls on the leash, stop walking and wait for your dog to return to you. When your dog comes back to you and the leash goes slack, reward him with a treat and praise. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the distance you walk before stopping. By rewarding your dog for walking on a loose leash, you create a positive association with good behavior.
Step 4: Stop when your dog pulls
Stopping when your dog pulls on the leash is a critical part of leash training. Whenever your dog pulls on the leash, immediately stop walking. This will teach your dog that pulling won’t get them where they want to go. Wait until the leash is slack before resuming your walk. This technique can be frustrating for both you and your dog, but it’s essential to stay consistent. By doing so, you’re teaching your dog that pulling won’t get them anywhere and that they need to walk calmly by your side.
Step 5: Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training techniques for dogs. Whenever your dog walks on a loose leash, reward them with a treat and praise. This will encourage them to repeat the behavior. Positive reinforcement creates a bond of trust and positivity between you and your dog. It shows your dog that good behavior leads to positive outcomes and encourages them to continue with it. We use soft, moist treats for our dog as we find them more effective. Click here for our favourite brand!
Step 6: Practice in different environments
Practicing leash training in different environments is essential to ensure that your dog is comfortable walking on a loose leash in any situation. Once your dog is comfortable walking on a loose leash in a quiet environment, gradually increase the level of distractions. Practice walking in different environments such as a park, street, or in a crowded area. This will teach your dog to remain calm and focused no matter what the environment is. It will also make your walks more enjoyable and stress-free.
Step 7: Be consistent
Consistency is key to successful leash training. Make sure to use the same commands and techniques every time you walk your dog. Avoid letting your dog pull on the leash, even for short distances, as this can undo all the progress you have made. Consistency reinforces the message that you’re trying to communicate to your dog. It shows them that you’re serious about their training and encourages them to continue with good behavior.
Step 8: Be patient
Training takes time, and it may take several weeks or even months for your dog to learn to walk on a loose leash. It’s essential to be patient and consistent with your training. Don’t get frustrated or angry with your dog if they don’t learn quickly enough. Instead, focus on the progress you’ve made and celebrate the small victories along the way. Dogs can sense their owner’s emotions, and negative emotions can make the training process more challenging. Stay calm, positive, and patient, and you’ll see results.
Step 9: Keep it fun
Training should be fun for both you and your dog. Incorporate games and activities into your walks to make them more enjoyable. For example, you can play hide-and-seek, fetch, or other games that promote exercise and obedience. This will keep your dog engaged and motivated, making training more effective. A fun and engaging training session creates a positive association with good behavior, making your dog more likely to repeat it.
Step 10: Reinforce good behavior
Once your dog has mastered the art of walking on a loose leash, it’s essential to reinforce good behavior. Continue to reward your dog with treats and praise for walking calmly by your side. This will encourage your dog to continue with good behavior and maintain a positive association with walking on a leash. Reinforcing good behavior also strengthens the bond between you and your dog and encourages a lifelong pattern of good behavior.
In conclusion, leash training your dog takes time, patience, and consistency, but it’s worth it in the end. By using positive reinforcement and focusing on the progress you’ve made, you can create a positive association with good behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. With the right equipment, basic obedience training, and consistent practice, your dog will soon be walking calmly by your side, making walks more enjoyable and stress-free.
