Teaching a dog to walk on a leash requires patience before the dog gets used to the walking exercise. A puppy will be much easier to walk on the end of its leash than an adult dog , especially if the animal weighs a certain weight or is tall. You then risk being walked by your dog rather than the other way around. This funny situation should not take over: how to teach dog to walk on a leash . To turn your walks into moments of relaxation, here’s how to teach dog to walk on a leash
Start at the right time
It is very important to start dog training at an early age. Of course, this work will not be easy. The puppy is excited by discovering a new environment and has difficulty staying focused during walks. It must be said that the outside is very stimulating for him and opens up new perspectives for discovery. Despite everything, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to educate him when he is an adult. So you need to get started now so that the animal understands what you expect of it. If it’s a large breed, you should start training before the dog reaches 40 kg.
Good equipment
Before starting the apprenticeship, remember to equip yourself correctly. Avoid spike collars or choke collars. These archaic materials risk injuring the animal when they are not used wisely. Retractable or retractable leashes are also not recommended, because the variation in length prevents the animal from moving correctly during the walk. They are only recommended for dogs that have already been educated.
So which leash to choose? Opt for harnesses which have the advantage of not compressing the animal’s neck. They will not put you in difficulty if pulled and do not cause any injuries. A length of 1.5 meters to 2 meters is ideal.
A suitable environment
Reducing the animal’s stress will be the main objective when learning to walk on a leash. To do this, it is very important to start in a calm environment. Why not at home? Have your kids practice it already. Once he’s used to it, you can start going outside. Avoid streets that are too noisy with a large passage of people. Preferably take a walk during off-peak hours. Auditory and visual stimulation may distract the animal and make learning difficult. Not to mention that during your walks, there will always be people who want to pet the doggie, another detail that is not always a success factor.
The techniques to make him obey
Bring several treats with you. They will be a good source of motivation. Then position your dog close to you. Begin your walk. When he tries to pass you, wrap around you or make other inappropriate gestures, pull on the leash while throwing “no” and “to the foot” at the same time. When he returns, show him that this is the gesture you expect of him by petting him and giving him a treat. This long-term job requires patience, so don’t give up despite your pooch’s somewhat stubborn nature.
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Additional method of how to teach dog to walk on a leash
The ideal place for your dog is on your left
According to dog shows, your dog must walk on the left side , which frees up your right hand to push a gate, greet a passing person, make a phone call, etc. Obviously, because of a handicap or if you are left-handed, you will have to switch directions.
In France, road safety standards show that you should always walk on the left on the road, facing vehicles for better visibility. This way , your dog will move safely , on the side of the ditch, rather than on the side of the road.
This consistent exercise will be easily acquired on a daily basis by your dog, provided you stick to the rule every time to instill this cue in him.
Before going for a walk, remember to get some well-chosen treats to reward your dog when he does not pull on his leash. Of course, it will be necessary to remain vigilant on the quantity of greedy rewards, and not to give in. Know that your dog’s instinct pushes him to want to see further and faster by pulling on his leash.
The walk on a leash should be a shared pleasure and should not cause stress, headaches or cries, it is counterproductive. Your dog does not have to be frustrated: you will also have to let go of the ballast to allow him to smell the odors of a flower bed or to urinate at a post or a tree. If the situation lends itself to it, you can alternate attached and detached walks to let him stretch his legs in a meadow as he pleases. On the other hand, he must immediately return to your feet on your order. Again, don’t forget to congratulate him.
The stages of how teach dog to walk on a leash
For good results, these 5 learning phases should be repeated every day for ½ hour. There is no point skipping steps and starting long hours of walking, but taking regular walks in a pleasant way.
- At the beginning, test the exercise together in your home, in your garden and on a rural road where traffic is not heavy. You will immediately notice the difficulties you have to face, or on the contrary, the achievements of your dog.
- Then, you will apply the golden rule of walking, namely, your dog on the left, you on his right . If your pet pulls on its leash, stop walking. If the leash is loose, reward your dog and respond in the affirmative. The process may be long depending on the case, but it is effective.
- The leash should not be taut, nor should you pull hard on the leash to make him obey. It’s all in the voice and the attitude and the look you will exchange with your animal. Ask a dog trainer for advice if necessary.
- If he changes direction, call him, without pulling on the leash. You stop and wait for it to return to its proper place. You absolutely must attract his attention to you by calling out to him with the sound of your voice, and not by rushing him with the leash.
- To go further in teaching, you can alternate the speed of walking : slow steps or fast walking.
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The accessories needed to walk well on a leash with your dog
Many dog tack tools exist on the pet market. You can find different types of dog harnesses , the classic leash , the adapted collar , the retractable leash.
The learning harness, leashes and collars are essential and easy to use equipment. Choker collars or spiked collars are to be avoided, as they are not respectful of the animal.
Indeed, the harness is the strong point of training your dog. It will provide all the safety and comfort your pet needs. It is particularly recommended in the case of canine education, to correct a behavior or to adapt to its morphology.
The purpose of a harness is to reduce your dog’s pulling and allow him great freedom of movement. Tension points are perfectly balanced on the animal’s body. The risks of suffocation or strangulation are no longer on the agenda, since the harness straps act on the chest and front legs. This tool is ideal for training your puppy to walk on a leash or your dog who has a tendency to pull on his leash constantly.
There are also specific harnesses for sport to practice canicross for example. Padded and lightweight, you can run with your dog while cushioning his pulls.
Depending on the type of walks or outings you plan, you will prefer a suitable dog harness to your needs, to the size of your dog, without neglecting its essential comfort.
Training or anti-pulling harnesses are ergonomic, versatile, resistant to any test, with the main objective of successfully training your dog. For example, the Julius K9 dog power harness is perfectly suited.
Conclusion
In conclusion, teaching a dog to walk on a leash without pulling from an early age will help you control him more quickly and enjoy pleasant walks. Training a dog to walk on a leash is accessible to everyone. Follow our advice and your worries should not last. You can contact a dog trainer in your area if you feel overwhelmed by events.
