How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Lead

Properly training your dog to walk on a lead will take time and consistency, but putting in the time early on will make things easier for you and your dog in the long run. When your dog walks well on a leash, you will be more inclined to take them on walks or allow a dog-sitter to walk them while you are away. It will make your walks an enjoyable time for you to bond with your dog rather than walks being something you put off because they are stressful. The best time to begin training is when they are young. However, do not lose hope if you have an older dog, they can learn to walk well on a leash too. The most important thing to remember while training your dog for any task is to be consistent. Using positive reinforcement and being patient with your dog will make the process much smoother for you both. 

Step 1: 

If your dog is not already familiar with their collar or harness, your first step is to help them get used to it. We like using harnesses that do not cause excess pressure on your dog’s neck, especially when you are beginning the training process. However, keeping your dog’s collar on them with ID tags is recommended even if you are using a harness to walk them. To help them become more comfortable with these items, simply put them on while your dog is lounging around the house. It is rare, but some dogs may have anxiety when wearing a new harness, so stay close in case you need to take it off of them quickly. Use treats to reward them when you put the leash or collar on, and praise them while they are wearing it. You can even attach the leash while they are in the house so that they can become familiar with it as well. 

Step 2: 

If you are indoors, leave the leash loose by your side for this step. If you are practicing outdoors in an unconfined area, we recommend using a longer lead that you can hold onto, but that allows your pup the freedom to make choices about where he walks. While walking around, keep a treat by your side with your arm extended down. If your dog walks alongside you, they can have a treat. This step will need to be done often and with several breaks in between. The focus is for your dog to learn that it is good to walk by your side. This also works best if your dog has been trained to come when called, so when they get distracted, you can gain their attention again. 

Continue this step outside, while you hold the leash and work to shorten the leash so that you are holding onto it and your dog is not able to wander far. 

Step 3: 

Once you have mastered Step Two, it is time to take your dog around the block. Remember that there will be even more distractions, so you want to use plenty of positive reinforcement and make sure you bring your dog’s focus back to you as you continue walking. Be sure you have a firm grasp on the leash, but overall your focus should be to keep your dog walking beside you by rewarding them as they do well. You may keep a treat or two in your hand to keep them focused just as you did while walking indoors. 

Step 4: 

Continue practicing these steps frequently. Your dog will need to stray a few feet to use the restroom and it is okay to allow them to explore new smells, but the focus should be about teaching them to walk with you. Continue going back through the steps if you feel your dog has gotten distracted or if they are having an “off” day. It may be best to walk the same route while you are in training, so that there are not as many new smells or new distractions for your dog. 

Consistency is the most important thing to remember while training. If you have a dog walker helping exercise your dog, be sure to go over your training with them. They should follow your training routine to the best of their ability, and they may also be able to help with any issues you have. 

One of the most common issues when walking a dog is their tendency to pull on the leash. This behavior rarely corrects itself, so you must do your best to retrain your dog as soon as it starts. The best way to correct this behavior is to not give in when your dog pulls. If you do, you will be reinforcing the behavior. Instead, you should stop and wait for your dog to refocus. Do not continue walking until they are back by your side and calmed from whatever got them excited. It is a good idea to keep treats on hand while your dog is continuing to learn. 

Again, you want to allow your dog some freedom to enjoy the new smells and to relieve themselves during your walk, but you do not want to allow them to get out of control. This may mean that you have to go back and work through the steps a few times, to redirect them to the correct way to walk with you. Be patient and build their confidence by praising them when they do well. Remember, taking the time to properly train them now, will make walking more enjoyable for both of you. 

Properly training your dog to walk on a lead will take time and consistency, but putting in the time early on will make things easier for you and your dog in the long run. When your dog walks well on a leash, you will be more inclined to take them on walks or allow a…