Leash Training Your Dog

Leash training can be a difficult part of your dogs overall training program. We will give you a few tips to help you train your dog to walk on a leash and to hopefully keep your dog from walking you.

The Frenzy

Does your dog go crazy whenever you put their leash on? They see the leash and know immediately that they are going to get to go on an adventure. You need to teach your dog to calm down. Attach the leash to their collar and tell your dog to sit or stay. Do not move until the dog calms down. This will show them that they need to remain calm in order to go somewhere. It will also help to set the stage for your walk. If you start the walk on a calm level, they are more likely to remain calm during the walk. Be sure to praise your dog when they remain calm. Positive reinforcement works wonders.

Pulling

Does your dog try to pull your arm off when you walk them? Hopefully you have started your walk off on a calm level. Do not give your dog too much slack on your leash. Start them out on a short leash at first and you can give them more and more slack if they behave themselves. If your dog starts to pull you, stop in your tracks. Do not move again until they calm down. When they pull on your leash give them a firm "NO" command and stop. Once they calm down, praise them and continue your walk. Be consistent, never let them get away with pulling.

Distractions

This might be the hardest part of leash training. Your dog will probably be overwhelmed by distractions. The kid on the bike, the neighbors cat, the ducks at the park. All of these things will catch your dogs attention and might overwhelm them, getting them into a frenzy. Start your leash training by walking your dog in a quiet park at a slow time of day. Once your dog knows how to stay under control, you can introduce your dog to other distractions.