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.