Leash Training a Dog
Trying to walk a dog that is not leash trained can be an exhausting experience, not to mention potentially dangerous for a dog who tugs on the leash. It doesn’t have to be that way. Leash training dog techniques are relatively simple.
It is mostly a matter of patience and consistency in your training that will make the difference between a well behaved dog on a leash and an out of control one.
How to Start Leash Training a Dog
If you are training a puppy you will first need to get him used to wearing a collar before you can begin leash training. At first you should put the collar on for short periods of time when he is eating or playing so that he associates the collar with fun activities.
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Once your puppy gets used to the collar you can add the leash, once again while he is eating or playing and let him get used to the leash being there. Just be sure not to leave the leash on when you are not around. Also be sure to take the collar off before putting a puppy in his crate.
Next you need to practice having your puppy move around with you. You can move around with his food dish, having him follow you or play with him to get used to following you. Reward him with treats and make it fun.
Ideally a puppy or dog should be trained to sit and stay before walking on a leash. You can train your dog to sit before putting on his leash to help calm him. Naturally when you get the leash out a dog is going to get excited at the prospect of going outside on a walk.
If your dog tries to pull towards the door stand still until he calms down. If need be, walk him around the house or yard, stopping each time he tries to pull. Eventually he will learn he is not getting anywhere by pulling. Once he calms down and walks and stops pulling reward your dog with a treat.
One mistake many people make when leash training dog is to hold the leash too tight. This makes the puppy or dog to want to pull. You should always hold the leash slack, not taut with your arm sticking out in front of you.
If your dog begins to pull on the leash when you are out on your walk, there are several things you can try to break him of the habit. The first is to simply stop and stand still each time he pulls. Another technique you can use with some dogs is to back up whenever they start to pull.
The dog will need to adjust to your movements. Finally you can quickly turn and start walking in a different direction. If you keep your movements unpredictable the dog will have to focus on you and your movements to keep up with you.
The #1 Rule of Leash Training a Dog
The main thing you must keep in mind when leash training a dog is to make sure you are in charge. Remember that you are walking the dog, the dog isn’t walking you. It will take a lot of patience to continue to stop and wait for your dog to calm down before proceeding on the walk, but it is probably the most effective method. If you give in to the tugging, you will never get your dog leash trained. Use plenty of positive reinforcement when your dog stops pulling and walks nicely beside you. Reward him with treats and plenty of praise.
Another thing you will need to do when leash training dog is to train him to handle distractions such as people and other dogs that you meet along your walk. Having your dog trained with other obedience commands such as sit and stay will help you keep your dog from getting out of control Another thing you can do if you see a distraction ahead is to change the direction you are walking in.