Many dog owners assume that dogs instinctively know how to walk nicely on a leash. However, this essential skill requires dedicated training. Teaching your dog to walk on a leash is crucial for enjoyable outings and demonstrates a strong bond between you and your pet. Renowned dog training expert Kathy Santo, a columnist for AKC Family Dog, shares valuable insights on how to establish a solid foundation for leash walking. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your dog becomes a well-behaved companion on every adventure.
Laying the Foundation: Introducing the Collar, Harness, and Leash
The first step in training your dog to walk on a leash is to help them become comfortable with the equipment. Allow your puppy to wear a collar or harness and a leash for short periods within the home. Make these experiences positive by engaging in play and offering treats. The goal is for your puppy to associate the collar, harness, and leash with enjoyable activities and rewards, creating a positive association from the start.
Establishing a Cue for Attention
Next, introduce a sound cue that signals a treat is coming. This could be a clicker, a verbal marker like “yes,” or a tongue click. In a quiet environment, with your puppy wearing their collar and leash, use your chosen cue. The moment your puppy acknowledges the cue by looking at you or turning towards you, immediately reward them with a high-value treat. Repeat this process several times. With consistent practice, your puppy will begin to look for you and move towards you when they hear the cue, anticipating the reward.
Encouraging Your Puppy to Come to You
Once your puppy reliably responds to the cue, you can begin to incorporate movement. While they are on leash and wearing their collar, take a few steps backward after using the cue. Reward your puppy when they reach you. Gradually increase the distance you back up, reinforcing their movement towards you with treats. This exercise helps your puppy understand that coming to you and walking with you is rewarding. Remember that puppies have limited attention spans, so keep training sessions short and engaging, ending on a positive note while they are still eager to learn.
Practicing Indoor Skills
Before venturing outdoors, it’s beneficial to practice leash walking in a low-distraction environment, such as inside your home. With your puppy on leash, walk a few steps, offering praise and treats as they follow you. This allows them to get accustomed to the feeling of the leash and learn to move with you indoors.
Transitioning to the Outdoors
The ultimate test of your puppy’s leash-walking skills is the great outdoors. Be prepared for new challenges as your puppy encounters novel sights, sounds, and smells. Patience is key during these initial outdoor sessions, and it’s advisable to keep them short. If you notice your puppy becoming distracted or showing signs of lunging, use your cue sound and take a few steps away, rewarding them for following you. Maintaining your focus on your puppy at all times will help you anticipate and manage these distractions effectively.
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Troubleshooting Leash-Training Challenges
As your puppy grows and encounters new environments and distractions, you may face some common leash-training issues. Teaching loose-leash walking is highly beneficial, making walks more enjoyable for both of you and potentially helping your dog pass the Canine Good Citizen test. The AKC GoodDog! Helpline offers practical advice for addressing these challenges.
Addressing Pulling
If your dog tends to pull ahead, adopt the “tree” method: stand still and refuse to move until your dog returns to your side. Avoid yanking or dragging your dog. For persistent pullers, consider using alternative training tools such as front-hook harnesses or head halters, which are designed to discourage pulling.
Managing Lunging
To prevent lunging at distractions like other dogs, cars, or skateboards, be proactive. Redirect your dog’s attention with a treat before they have a chance to lunge. Increase the distance between your dog and the trigger, and remain vigilant to manage the situation before it escalates. This behavior can be more pronounced in herding breeds but can occur in any dog that is startled or overly excited.
Dealing with Barking
Barking at other dogs during walks can sometimes stem from a lack of sufficient exercise. Ensure your dog receives adequate mental and physical stimulation appropriate for their age and breed. If barking persists, use a similar approach to managing lunging: create distance and offer treats before the barking begins. This helps your dog learn to focus on you rather than the other dog.
Over time, you can gradually reduce the number of treats and the amount of intervention your puppy requires during walks. Keeping treats handy allows for random reinforcement of good leash-walking behavior. For personalized guidance on house-training, behavioral issues, and more, the AKC GoodDog! Helpline provides unlimited, individualized advice from professional trainers.
