Walking your dog is more than just a routine; it’s a cherished bonding experience that offers a wealth of sensory stimulation and mental enrichment for your canine friend. However, for many energetic dogs, a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood might not suffice as adequate exercise, potentially leading to frustration and undesirable behaviors like lunging or barking. This can be exacerbated if dogs spend extended periods at home without sufficient activity, only to be restrained on a leash for a brief outdoor excursion. To effectively manage your dog’s energy levels and cultivate a more pleasant walking experience, incorporating a diverse range of physical and mental exercises is crucial. Consider engaging your dog in indoor games, supervised playdates with compatible canine companions, and games of fetch in a secure backyard. When it comes to leash walking, teaching your dog to walk calmly by your side is a fundamental skill that enhances safety and enjoyment for both of you.
Training Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash
The phrase “Let’s go!” can be your cue for a more relaxed and responsive walk, allowing your dog to explore, sniff, and relieve themselves without pulling the leash. This method focuses on rewarding your dog for maintaining a loose leash while walking beside you.
The “Yes!” or Clicker Marker: Before you begin, establish a consistent verbal marker like “Yes!” or use a clicker. This sound signals to your dog that they have performed the desired action and a treat is imminent.
- Preparation: Begin with your dog sitting calmly by your side, holding the leash loosely. Keep a supply of high-value treats readily accessible in your other hand.
- Initiate the Walk: Use a cheerful tone to say, “Let’s go!” and start walking. The moment your dog begins to move with you, mark the behavior with your chosen sound (“Yes!” or click) and immediately offer a small, tasty treat near your knee. Initially, reward every step to build a strong association. As your dog becomes more attentive, gradually increase the intervals between rewards.
- Gradual Reward Reduction: As your dog progresses, reduce the frequency of treats, ensuring you reward randomly. This prevents your dog from anticipating a reward at fixed intervals and encourages them to remain engaged. Avoid reducing rewards too quickly, as this can lead to frustration. It’s also vital to avoid inadvertently pulling on the leash, which can create anxiety and encourage pulling. You can find additional tips to teach Watch me on this training video.
Troubleshooting Common Leash-Pulling Issues
The cornerstone of teaching polite walking is consistently preventing your dog from being rewarded for pulling. This often happens unintentionally when we allow our dogs to pull ahead to sniff something or greet someone. Implementing the following techniques can help keep your training on track.
Approaching Distractions
- Luring: When a tempting distraction is unavoidable, use a high-value treat to lure your dog past it. Place the treat near their nose and guide them forward. The need for luring will diminish as your dog’s polite walking skills improve.
- “Watch” Cue: The moment your dog notices a distraction, use the cue “Watch.” Offer a desirable treat near their nose and then move your hand towards your face, encouraging them to look at you. A click of the tongue or a kissing sound can also prompt them to look up. As soon as you achieve eye contact, mark the behavior and treat, then immediately move in the opposite direction of the distraction.
When Your Dog Pulls Ahead
- U-Turn: If your dog starts to surge ahead, before the leash becomes taut, gently turn and walk in the opposite direction. A cheerful “Turn!” or a kissing sound can signal the change in direction. When your dog turns to follow you, mark and treat behind your knee.
Persistent Pulling on a Tight Leash
- “Be a Tree” Method: When the leash tightens, stop walking and stand still without offering any verbal cues or corrections. Your dog will eventually notice the stop and may look back or move closer to investigate. The instant the leash slackens, mark and reward behind your knee, which encourages them to return to your side.
- “Penalty Yards”: If the “Be a Tree” method isn’t effective, incorporate “Penalty Yards.” If your dog continues to pull, slowly back away, applying gentle pressure on the leash. This teaches them that pulling moves them further from their desired goal. When the leash loosens, mark and reward, or allow them to move towards the object they were interested in as their reward.
Supporting Your Dog’s Success
There will be moments when time is limited, or your dog is particularly energetic or overwhelmed by their surroundings, making successful training walks challenging. In such instances, utilizing a humane walking tool, such as a Halti or a well-fitted harness, can aid in preventing your dog from reverting to previous behaviors and help them succeed during these times.
It’s also important to acknowledge that dogs have a natural inclination to sniff. Denying them this outlet can lead to frustration. Establish a cue, like “Go sniff,” to grant your dog permission to investigate interesting smells, people, or other dogs (when appropriate).
Initially, aim for short training sessions (5-15 minutes) and always end on a positive note while both you and your dog are enjoying yourselves. Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement, repeating behaviors they find rewarding. By teaching your dog that polite walking leads to treats and comfortable exploration, you’ll cultivate a happy companion who enjoys walking by your side. This approach reinforces the value of walking on a loose leash and contributes to a more harmonious outdoor experience.
