Walking on a leash is not an innate behavior for dogs; it’s a skill that requires training. Leash training ensures your dog’s safety in public, fulfills legal requirements in many areas, and opens up more opportunities for shared activities. A well-trained dog on a leash can also help prevent common issues like leash reactivity, where a dog feels stressed and restrained. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to successfully leash train your dog, making walks enjoyable for both of you.
The Importance of Leash Training
Providing your dog with regular walks offers crucial physical exercise and mental stimulation. The leash is a vital tool for keeping your dog safe when you’re out and about, and it’s often a legal necessity. When a dog is accustomed to walking on a leash, it allows for greater freedom to explore new environments and participate in activities with their owners. Moreover, effective leash training can significantly reduce stress for both the dog and the owner, turning what could be a challenging experience into a positive one.
Essential Steps for Leash Training
Building a Strong Relationship
The foundation of successful leash training lies in a strong bond with your dog. For some dogs, the feeling of being tethered can evoke vulnerability, frustration, or anxiety. By building a relationship based on consistency, predictability, and positive reinforcement, you can help mitigate these negative emotions. If your dog consistently seems distracted, hesitant to train, or disobedient, consider consulting a certified behavior consultant for a professional assessment.
Acquiring the Right Equipment
Selecting the appropriate gear is crucial for effective leash training. While collars are suitable for identification tags, a well-designed harness is generally recommended for walks. There are various types of harnesses, some prioritizing comfort and others offering more control. For dogs that don’t pull excessively, a back-clip harness may suffice. However, if pulling is already an issue, a dual-clip harness paired with a training lead can provide better control.
In some instances, a head halter might be considered, especially if the dog is significantly stronger than the handler. It’s important to note that head halters require additional training for the dog to acclimate and for owners to learn safe usage.
A non-retractable leash of an appropriate length is also essential. The ideal length can vary based on the dog’s size, walking habits, and the handler’s skill. While there’s no definitive research on leash length, many professionals advocate for longer leashes to allow more freedom. For smaller dogs, a 10-foot leash might be adequate, while larger dogs and experienced handlers might opt for 20- or 30-foot leashes.
To keep you organized during walks, a multi-pouch treat bag with a waist strap is highly recommended. This allows you to conveniently carry treats, poop bags, your phone, and keys, enabling you to focus on your dog.
Finally, a marker, such as a clicker or a verbal cue like “yes,” is vital. This marker signals to your dog the exact moment they perform the correct behavior, such as walking a few steps without tension on the leash. This precise feedback is key to effective training.
Setting Up the Training Environment
Choosing the right environment for training is paramount. Dogs learn best when they feel secure and are free from distractions. Begin your training sessions in and around your home, a familiar and safe space, before gradually moving to quieter areas away from your home.
Initial Off-Leash Practice
Start your training within your house, backyard, garage, or another familiar, fenced area that is free from distractions.
- Have your treat bag and marker (clicker or verbal cue) ready. Stand facing your dog and place a treat on the ground. As your dog eats the treat, slowly turn and begin to walk.
- As your dog follows you, observe their position. Any movement that results in slack on a standard leash should be marked with your clicker or verbal cue, followed by a treat.
- Gradually increase the number of steps your dog takes between marking and treating. Vary the number of steps randomly (e.g., one step, then three, then two, then four, then one).
- Once your dog consistently walks beside you, begin associating this behavior with a cue. Before you take your first steps, say your chosen cue (e.g., “Let’s go,” “This way,” or “Follow me”) and then start walking. Mark and reward your dog for walking beside you. Continue to randomly increase the steps between marks and rewards.
Introducing the Leash and Harness
Now, repeat the previous steps with your dog wearing the harness and leash. Some dogs will readily accept their new gear, while others may show hesitation, try to run away, or even bite or tug at the equipment.
Present the harness and leash to your dog and observe their reaction. If they seem uncomfortable or take a step back, allow them more time to get accustomed to the gear. Associate the presentation of the harness with positive experiences, such as offering treats when they show interest. Never force your dog into the harness; the goal is to create a positive association. Once the harness is on, let your dog wear it for short periods while engaging in enjoyable activities like eating treats or playing, rather than immediately going for a walk. If your dog exhibits extreme fear or distress, seek guidance from a professional dog trainer.
Practicing Walks with Harness and Leash
Continue practicing the steps from the off-leash section while your dog is wearing the harness and leash. Begin by practicing exiting your home. Leaving the house or front yard can be stimulating for dogs, potentially leading to pulling. You may need to dedicate extra time to training your dog to leave the house calmly.
Practicing Away from Home
Choose a location free from distractions for your practice sessions. Attach your dog to a long leash (10 to 30 feet) and allow them to explore at their own pace. Your role during this phase is to let your dog set the pace and sniff anything they desire for as long as they want. The importance of scent walks for dogs cannot be overstated.
- After your dog has had a chance to investigate the environment, get their attention and place a treat on the ground in front of you. As they come to eat it, take up the slack on the leash, leaving about 6–8 feet of working length.
- Begin marking and rewarding your dog for walking with you for short distances. Then, release them to continue exploring and sniffing.
- Incorporate these short training segments into your longer walks. Gradually introduce your cue for walking in close proximity. Over time, your dog will learn to walk beside you on cue and then explore freely when released.
It’s important to remember that dogs need a degree of choice and control during walks. While walking by your side is a valuable skill, your dog shouldn’t be expected to maintain this position for the entire duration of the walk.
Tips for Successful Leash Training
- Pre-walk Exercise: For energetic dogs, engage in some playtime in the yard before leash training exercises. This can help expend some of their energy, leading to better focus and potentially less pulling during the training session.
- High-Value Treats: Use particularly enticing treats when training outside the home. These special rewards can capture your dog’s attention and increase motivation. Reserve these high-value treats specifically for leash training.
- Sniff Walks: Incorporate walks purely dedicated to sniffing, allowing your dog to dictate the pace and direction. This provides mental enrichment and satisfies their natural instincts.
- Longer Leashes: Utilizing longer leashes can provide your dog with a greater sense of freedom and reduce pulling by minimizing resistance to their natural movements.
- Reinforce Attention: Consistently reinforce your dog every time they pay attention to you while on leash. This encourages them to stay engaged with you during the walk.
Addressing Leash Pulling
Pulling on the leash is often a dog’s natural response to pressure. Common reasons include a handler’s slow pace, a short leash, or the allure of interesting scents.
When your dog pulls, avoid resorting to yelling, yanking them back, or using collar pops. Instead, it’s more effective to assess the training context and the environment. If you are in a stimulating area, such as a bustling market or approaching a dog park, your dog might pull out of excitement or curiosity.
For intermittent pulling, the most effective immediate response is to stop walking and become completely still. Once the dog eases the tension on the leash, mark the behavior and place a treat on the ground to encourage them to return to you.
Following this, you can either resume walking in the opposite direction to re-establish the training focus or ask your dog to sit. Teaching your dog to sit can be a useful command in these situations. Once they sit, you can either jog with them briefly or lengthen the leash, allowing them to proceed toward their original point of interest.
While dogs may not be naturally adept at leash walking, consistent positive reinforcement can transform leash outings into enjoyable experiences for both you and your canine companion.
Featured Image: Getty/fotografixx
WRITTEN BY
Erika Lessa, CBST, CDBT, CDBC, CPDT-KA, Fear-Free Certified
Professional Trainer
