Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

Taking a walk with your dog should be an enjoyable experience for you and your dog. Allowing your dog to pull you around by the leash enforces his bad walking behavior and can also be dangerous. An improperly leashed train dog can be a hazard to you, other people and quite often the dog himself which is why it is essential to train a dog to walk on a leash.

Choosing a Leash for Training Your Dog

• A plain nylon or leather leash is ideal to train your dog. Avoid using a retractable leash until your dog is trained to walk on a regular leash. The reason is that retractable leashes give you less control over your dog as well as gives your dog mixed signals on how far ahead he is allowed to go. A plain collar leash no longer then 5 feet is the optimal tool to leash train a dog.

How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

1. Eliminate all possible distractions. If your dog is not fully focused on you and the training then only part of the message will get through. Try to pick a quiet, secluded area to practice. Once your dog begins to show progress walking on a leash, slowly introduce more distractions.
2. Make sure you have your dog under control before starting to walk. When dogs feel pressure on the leash, they tend to pull away themselves. This is called opposition reflex.
3. Give your dog the 'let's go' command and begin walking.
4. When you start walking, your dog will start pulling on leash. Release the tension in the leash and walk in the opposite direction.
5. Once your dog notices you walking in the opposite direction, he will come to you. Once he comes to your side, praise and reward while gathering up the slack on the leash.
6. The idea is to make your dog comfortable on the leash and encourage him to walk with you naturally without feel like he is being forced to do so.
7. Reward and praise enthusiastically as much as possible. Your do g is more inclined to listen and do what you ask when there is treats involved.
8. Practice this routine several times until it becomes second nature to you dog. Your dog will soon learn that being next to you is the best place to be.

Once you have trained your dog to walk on a leash properly you will find that walking your dog will more enjoyable and even relaxing!

If this is your first time training a dog I suggest that you should also check out Dog Training Basics - Do's and Dont's