Leash Training a Dog
A common problem encountered while walking your dog on a leash is the dog’s pulling. At best
this can be a nuisance. At worst, it can make the situation uncontrollable. It is relatively easy to
retrain your dog to stop pulling. Leash training a dog requires patience and consistency.
The first phase of leash training a dog is to insist on the dog presenting himself in the start
position. The dog needs to be focused on you facing in the same direction. The leash should be loose,
you should not pull on it. When your dog successfully stands at your side, facing the same
direction as you are, you can then continue to add to the training. You must be
patient.
Leash Training – Start Position
It is important to adequately train your dog in regards to the proper start position. Your
patience is required. The first few sessions may be limited to only teaching the start position. You
teach the start position by encouraging and praising your dog when he positions himself properly.
You do not go onto another stage of leash training a dog until he has mastered the previous
discipline. Trying to rush the training by including new tasks that have not been fully accepted and
understood creates sloppiness in the dog’s performance. This poor performance presents opportunities for
future bad habits. Your patience is required by insisting that each stage be fully mastered before going onto
the next.
Leash Training a
Dog
Leash Training a Dog – Synchronized Starting
The next stage in leash training a dog is to begin walking slowly forward in a straight
line. With your dog on your left you should begin with your left foot. Using your left foot
provides the dog with a visual signal of your intent to begin walking. In this way you and the dog stay in
sync. If your dog does not readily see you step out, you will be a step ahead and may have to pull your
dog. The two of you, your dog and yourself, should move in unison.
Do not continue leash training a dog until your dog fully understands and is fully focused
on your movements. Practice the start of the walk until you have it fully mastered. Your training
sessions should be no longer than 10 minutes. It is advisable to have multiple sessions throughout the
day.
Leash Training – Walking Forward
Step out walking forward slowly. When the dog pulls the leash stop and stand still with the
tightened leash by your side. You do not need to drag the dog backwards. Regroup and enter the start
position again. When this is done begin walking forward. Keep repeating this process until the dog has
fully mastered these combined tasks.
Through the use of repetition and insistence on firm adherence to procedures your dog will
learn that pulling on the leash does not produce desirable results. Always praise tasks performed well.
Use enthusiastic verbal praise and a treat. Your dog wants to have a successful walk just as you
do.
A dog pulling on a leash does not have to be accepted. You need to be consistent and adhere
to the established guidelines. Older adult dogs may take longer to retrain than training a puppy.
Habits are hard to break. A puppy does not have established habits which makes leash training a puppy
easier. Remember be patient, and consistent, and use affective praise techniques.
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