Teaching your dog to walk politely on a leash, without pulling, is a fundamental aspect of responsible dog ownership. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and techniques to ensure your dog walks happily by your side, responding to your cues and moving with you harmoniously. Leash training, while challenging, is a rewarding process that significantly enhances your shared experiences. train your dog to stay in the yard is another important aspect of training.
Prior to Leash Training a Puppy
Before embarking on leash training, consider using tools that can assist in managing pulling. A head collar or a front-attachment harness can be effective in discouraging your dog from lunging forward. These tools are particularly useful for dogs that exhibit strong pulling tendencies or for owners who require extra control. However, it’s crucial to remember that these are aids, and true leash training involves teaching your dog to walk by your side without relying solely on equipment. For more advanced training needs, consider how to train your dog as an emotional support animal.
Gigo wearing a Comfort Trainer head collar (left) and an Easy Walk front-attachment harness (right)
When using a front-attachment harness or head collar, it is recommended to use leashes that are a maximum of 6 feet long. This length helps prevent sudden stops that could potentially cause injury if the leash is extended too far.
Stop and Reward: The Core of Training
A highly effective method for leash training is the “stop and reward” technique. When your dog pulls, immediately stop walking. Resume walking only when the leash slackens, and reward your dog with a treat when they are walking calmly by your side. Keeping treats accessible in a treat bag can streamline this process. If your dog isn’t highly food-motivated, alternative rewards like a favorite tug toy, a chew toy, or a game of fetch with a toss a ball can be equally effective.
Dog Leash Training Step by Step
Step 1: Walking with My Human Is Delicious!
Begin by attaching a long rope or leash (10-20 feet, non-retractable) to your puppy’s standard harness. Have small, high-value treats ready, such as pieces of meat or cheese. Move to a familiar outdoor area, like your backyard. Decide on your preferred side for your dog to walk (traditionally the left) and consistently offer treats near your thigh on that side. Walk briskly and randomly, rewarding your dog with praise and a treat whenever they naturally walk beside you. As they improve, gradually decrease the frequency of treats. If your dog shows little interest, try again later when they are hungrier. Continue until your dog is consistently staying by your side.
Gigo walking by my side. Feeding Gigo a treat by my side.
Step 2: It’s Worth My While to Watch Where My Human Is Going and Go Along, Too!
While walking in your yard, wait for a moment when your dog strays or lags behind. Use an upbeat voice, say “let’s go,” and clap your thigh a couple of times to get their attention. Then, turn and walk in the opposite direction. When your dog catches up, reward them with praise and a treat on your preferred side. Continue to reward them for every few steps they stay with you. If the leash becomes tight and they don’t respond, gently apply pressure as a reminder of your presence, not to force them. Praise and release pressure as they move towards you. Repeat until they consistently return to your side after you say “let’s go.”
“Let’s go”, and walking away.
Step 3: I Know When It’s Time to Smell (Or to Pee On) the Roses
Allow designated times for sniffing and potty breaks. About every five minutes, instead of a food reward, say “go sniff” and allow your dog to explore or relieve themselves. This is a privilege; if they pull during this time, say “let’s go” and walk in the opposite direction, ending the free time. When you’re ready to resume walking, say “let’s go” and proceed. This teaches your dog that controlled sniffing and potty breaks are earned rewards. For those struggling with how to train a puppy out of separation anxiety, consistent routines are key.
Authorized sniff break!
Step 4: Sometimes I Really Need to Pay Attention to Where My Human Is Going!
Continue practicing in your yard with a shorter leash, gradually reducing it to 6 feet. Incorporate variations in your walking pace (fast, slow), sudden stops, and changes in direction. Reward your dog for staying by your side during these challenges. Begin to reward less frequently for normal walking, but continue to offer extra rewards when they successfully navigate distractions or unusual walking patterns.
Taking It to the Street
Transition your training to neighborhood walks, applying the same techniques used in your yard. Be prepared for increased distractions like strangers, other animals, and environmental stimuli. Continue using a front-attachment harness or head collar if needed, and keep high-value treats accessible. Apply the “stop and reward” method consistently: if your dog pulls, stop; when the leash slackens, say “let’s go” and reward. Provide extra treats for successful navigation of challenging situations. Remember to grant permission for sniff breaks. If you’re facing issues with how to get my dog to walk by my side, patience and consistency are paramount.
Challenge Your Dog During Leash Training
To further solidify training, introduce challenges. With your dog on a 6-foot leash and standard harness, toss a ball or treat 20 feet away. If your dog pulls towards the object, use the “let’s go” cue and walk in the opposite direction. If they walk beside you towards the object, allow them to reach it as their reward. Initially, use a longer leash or a less desirable object to make this exercise easier.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dog crossing in front of you: Stomp or shuffle your feet slightly to make your presence more noticeable.
- Dog lagging behind: This could indicate fear or discomfort. Use plenty of encouragement and gentle leash pressure, rather than pulling. If lagging is for sniffing or potty, continue walking but with light pressure. Reward heavily when they walk with you.
- Alternating between walking beside you and pulling: Stop rewarding every return to your side. Instead, focus on rewarding a larger number of consecutive steps by your side.
How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash and Heel
Heeling is a useful skill for short periods when you need your dog close and attentive, especially around distractions. Begin practicing heeling indoors. Place a treat in your fist, let your dog sniff it, say “let’s go,” and take a few steps with the treat near your thigh. Praise and reward when they follow your fist with their nose. Progress to practicing with an empty fist, continuing to reward them for following. Gradually increase your standards and practice in more distracting environments. Your closed fist will serve as the hand signal for “heel.”
I hope this guide helps you enjoy more pleasant walks with your dog. Explore our leash training aids and other unique dog products to further support your training journey.
The Author: Jess Rollins
Jess Rollins and Pet Expertise’s Mission is to Help You to Maximize Your Dog’s Potential!
We understand the challenges of navigating pet product selections. The Pet Expertise Experts rigorously test and select products to ensure they are safe, effective, and contribute to your dog’s well-being. The right tools can make a significant difference in your training journey.
