Training your dog to sniff and go potty only when you give permission can be a challenge.
However, leash manners are fun and worth your effort.
Are you wondering how to leash train your friendly dog so that he stops when you stop, walks happily by your side, and turns when you turn?
Read on and learn simple solutions that will help your dog walk on a leash without pulling.
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Introduce Your Dog to a Harness or Collar and Leash
If you’re getting started with the training, consider letting your dog get used to wearing a collar and leash.
Let your puppy wear them in the house while giving him treats and playing with him.
In the long run, your dog should love harness-and-leash time because it represents fun and food.
Introduce Your Dog to a Sound Cue
For dog lovers, a sound cue ideally means that food is coming.
While some dog owners like click and treat, others cluck their tongue with the dog on a leash and collar.
The moment your puppy turns towards you after hearing the sound, reward him with his favourite treat.
After repeating this in a distraction free area, you’ll realise the puppy looking at you and coming over for a treat whenever you make a sound.
Train Your Puppy to Come to You
While the puppy is on his way to you, still wearing the collar and leash, back up few meters and then reward him with a treat once he gets to you.
Again, make a few repetitions until your dog heads to you and walks by your side for a few paces upon hearing the cue noise.
As a dog owner, you must have realised dogs have a short attention span.
Therefore, keep your training sessions precise and end them before your puppy becomes mentally exhausted.
Train Your Dog Indoors
Practice walking him a few steps in your house once your dog fully understands how to come to you after hearing the sound.
Ensure there is little distraction as you train him how to walk. Seeing and feeling the leash around him will be a challenge.
Praise him and offer him treats as he gets used to coming to you with a leash on.
Take Your Dog Outside
Finally, it’s time to test your dog’s walking skills in the great outdoors.
This step will be challenging as the sights, smells, and sounds will be new to him and intriguing.
Keep the first sessions short and be patient with him.
If your dog looks like he is about to get distracted or lunge into something, sound your cue and move a few meters away.
Always ensure you reward your dog with a treat for following you.
Consider Loose-leash Walking
Even though your dog may be learning the walking skills very nicely, you’re likely to run into challenges and issues when he experiences new distractions or when you go to new places.
As a result, it’s advisable to teach your dog loose-leash walking skills.
The skills are pleasant for you both and will help him pass multiple dog tests.
Consider Alternative Leash-walking Training Tools
Oftentimes, your dog can pull in the opposite direction when walking him.
In such a scenario, refuse to move and stand still until your puppy comes to you.
Do not jerk or yank the leash.
Additionally, avoid dragging your dog along with you. If your dog develops a tendency of pulling, consider head halters and front-hook harnesses in your training.
Be Proactive When Walking Your Dog Outdoors
Be proactive if your dog decides to go after a car, a skateboarder, or another dog when walking him.
Redirect your dog’s attention with his favourite treat before he gets a chance to lunge.
Also, increase the space between your puppy and the target.
Be alert and proactive before his target gets too close.
This behaviour is typical in herding breeds.
However, be on the lookout as any dog can be started by something he finds exciting.
How Do I Train My Puppy To Walk On A Leash Without Pulling?
If you’re looking forward to training your dog to walk on a leash, you need a collar, few treats, and a leash.
On the same note, you need to be patient as dogs learn well when they’re not mentally exhausted.
In a nutshell, training your dog to walk on a leash can be fun and a challenging experience at the same time.
A well-trained puppy knows how to easily walk on a leash without tugging himself on your arms.