Leash Training for Dogs

by E-NewsCast Team
January 31st, 2010

Tired of your dog dragging you out the door and down the street?Are YOU the one that needs a nap after taking the dog for awalk? Maybe it’s time to leash train the dog. A little time anda bit more patience can provide a lifelong reward – enjoyableoutdoor walks with your dog. But before getting started, let’sreview a few basic training principles.It is best train in an area that the dog is already familiarwith, such as the back yard. Dogs have a natural tendency toexplore, and things will go easier if they are not tempted bythis desire. Reward good behavior with praise and treats – thetreats can be lessened over time and you will find the dog ismore than satisfied with just the praise. Keep the sessionsshort at first, and fairly often. Also, try to do the trainingat the same time everyday – this gives the dog an easy routineto follow. Remember to correct, not punish the dog while leashtraining. Punishment is only used when the dog does not behaveas they have been taught, and they have not been taught how towalk on a leash yet. And don’t forget that you are learning, too!A good collar and leash are necessities. A six-foot leatherleash is ideal for training. An extensible leash is probably nota good idea for training purposes. They tend to keep a slighttension on the leash, and you want to teach the dog to walk nearyour side with the leash slightly loose (but not dragging). Forpuppies, use a regular buckle collar. If you are training anolder dog, or one that tends to pull against the leash, then trya training collar. These allow you to tighten or loosen themaround the neck to control pulling on the leash. Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to start training.The first two or three sessions can be used simply to allow thedog to get used to the collar. Have the dog sit beside you whileyou put the leash on. Then let them roam around a little,dragging the leash. This lets them get used to the leash withouthaving to worry about anything else. Try picking the leash up,and when it is about to tighten, give it a slight tug and callthe dog to you. After the dog comes to your side, give them atreat and praise them. Repeat this a few times. Next time whenyou put the leash on and the dog starts walking away, call themback to your side and have them stand there for a bit. They willprobably wander a little, but that’s ok – just keep an eye onthe leash, and when it is about to tighten, give a little tugand call them back to your side. Don’t forget the reward and thepraise. Your goal is to get the dog used to standing by yourside with a loose leash.After doing only this for a few sessions, you are ready to startwalking. After putting the leash on and having the dog comestand beside you, try walking a little ways. Keep your eye onthe dog, and if the leash starts to tighten, give it a slighttug and call the dog to your side. You might also try changingdirections or simply stopping. If you do this before the leashgets tight, the dog will soon learn that you want the leash toremain loose. The dog will also learn that you want them to payattention to what you are doing and follow your lead.Whenever you feel the dog is doing well with this, then it’stime to venture into the real world. Try shorter walks at first,and lengthen them as you both get more comfortable with theleash. If the dog is not cooperating then put an end to thewalk. Don’t reward their bad behavior by simply extending thewalk and hoping they will improve. Let the dog explore theirsurroundings, but keep calling them back to your side. Overtime, this behavior will become natural for both of you. ThenYOU can look forward to the walks just as much as your dog!

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