Many dog owners assume their canine companions intuitively understand how to walk politely on a leash. However, this essential skill requires dedicated training. Teaching your dog to walk on a leash is a valuable endeavor that will enhance every outdoor excursion. Dog training expert Kathy Santo offers practical advice to establish a strong foundation for enjoyable walks.
Laying the Foundation: From Collar to Cue
The initial step in leash training involves familiarizing your puppy with the equipment. Allow your puppy to wear a collar or harness and leash for short durations within the house. Associate these items with positive experiences by offering treats and engaging in play. This helps the puppy associate the collar and leash with enjoyable activities and rewards.
Introducing the Cue Word or Sound
Establish a consistent cue, such as a clicker, a word like “yes,” or a tongue click, that signals an upcoming treat. In a quiet environment, with your puppy leashed, use this cue. The moment your puppy acknowledges you, whether by turning their head or looking at you, immediately provide a treat. With repetition, your puppy will learn to associate the cue with you and eagerly approach for a reward.
Encouraging Your Puppy to Come to You
Once your puppy responds to the cue, practice having them walk a few paces towards you while on leash. Gradually increase the distance you move away from your puppy before rewarding them when they reach you. It’s crucial to keep training sessions brief to accommodate a puppy’s short attention span, always ending on a positive note while they are still engaged.
Practicing Indoors
Before venturing outside, reinforce leash manners in a low-distraction indoor setting. Practice walking a few steps while your puppy is on leash, offering praise and treats as they follow you. This controlled environment helps them adjust to the sensation of the leash and focus on your guidance.
Transitioning to the Outdoors
The outdoor environment presents a new set of stimuli that can challenge your puppy’s focus. Be patient during these initial outdoor walks, keeping them short. If your puppy appears about to lunge at something or becomes distracted, use your cue sound and move a few steps away, rewarding them for following you. This helps redirect their attention back to you and the walk.
Troubleshooting Common Leash-Training Challenges
As your puppy matures and encounters new environments, challenges may arise. Teaching loose-leash walking is not only more pleasant but also a prerequisite for the Canine Good Citizen test. The AKC GoodDog! Helpline offers solutions for common issues.
Addressing Pulling
If your dog pulls on the leash, stop moving and become “a tree” until they return to your side. Avoid yanking or dragging your dog. For persistent pullers, consider using front-hook harnesses or head halters, which are designed to discourage pulling.
Managing Lunging Behavior
To prevent your dog from lunging at distractions like other dogs, cars, or skateboards, be proactive. Redirect their attention with a treat before they react. Increase the distance between your dog and the distraction and remain vigilant. While herding breeds may be more prone to this behavior, any dog can react to exciting or startling stimuli.
Dealing with Barking on Walks
Barking at other dogs on walks can sometimes stem from a lack of adequate exercise. Ensure your dog receives sufficient mental and physical stimulation for their breed and age. If barking persists, employ the same strategy used for lunging: create distance and use treats to redirect their attention towards you whenever another dog is present.
With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your puppy will gradually require fewer treats and less intervention during walks. Keeping treats handy for random reinforcement of good leash-walking behavior is always beneficial. For personalized guidance on house-training and behavioral issues, the AKC GoodDog! Helpline provides live telephone support from professional trainers.
