STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO LEASH TRAIN YOUR DOG
Every time you go on a stroll with your dog, does it pull you down the street? Do they use their leash as a tug toy or do they run circles around you while entangling you in it? You’re not alone; many canines find it difficult to walk on a leash. The good news is that most dogs can learn to walk well with you with the correct training. You only need to be able to train dogs to walk on a leash.
Since there are so many circumstances in which dogs need to be leashed, learning how to train a dog should be your first priority as a pet parent. Appropriate leash training offers up a world of possibilities, from trekking to dog-friendly restaurants to leisurely strolls around the neighborhood.
The Benefits of Leash Training
Mastering leash training for your dog offers an array of advantages:
Enjoying walks sans the pulling: While a tugging dog might seem harmless, continual walks with a persistent puller can strain your muscles and joints. In extreme cases, it might even topple you off your feet. Walking alongside a well-behaved dog on a leash is undeniably more pleasant.
Exploration galore: Dogs, much like humans, can experience boredom. Regular ventures to new places keep your dog’s mind engaged and content. (Plus, it adds a refreshing change to your everyday strolls.)
Exercise for both parties: Dogs, like us, benefit from the cardiovascular perks of walking. Movement is beneficial for your furry friend’s overall health! Furthermore, walking with a leash-trained dog is enjoyable, potentially motivating you to increase your own walking routine. It’s a win-win situation!
Outdoor adventures: The outdoors offer numerous benefits. You get a break from screen time while your furry companion enjoys a respite from staring at walls, and both of you relish fresh air and a change in scenery. A revitalizing walk outdoors is likely to leave both you and your dog feeling invigorated and content.
However, to reap these rewards, it’s crucial to train your dog for proper leash walking. Now is the opportune moment to commence!
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to leash train a dog:
- Introduce the Leash: Start by getting your dog accustomed to the leash. Let them sniff and investigate it while offering treats and praise to create positive associations.
- Collar or Harness Introduction: Introduce the collar or harness gradually. Allow your dog to get used to wearing it indoors before attaching the leash.
- Positive Reinforcement: Begin indoors or in a quiet, familiar outdoor space. Encourage your dog to walk beside you by using treats or toys as rewards for walking without pulling. Use a cue word like “walk” or “let’s go” consistently.
- Short Leash Walks: Start short walks, focusing on loose leash walking. If your dog pulls, stop and wait for them to ease the tension on the leash before moving forward. Reward them for walking without pulling.
- Consistency is Key: Be consistent with training sessions. Practice regularly in different environments to generalize the behavior.
- Redirect Attention: If your dog gets distracted or tries to pull, redirect their attention with treats, toys, or a change in direction. This helps in regaining their focus on walking beside you.
- Stay Patient: Leash training takes time and patience. Avoid punishment and instead, reinforce positive behaviors consistently.
- Gradual Progress: Gradually increase the duration and distance of walks as your dog becomes more comfortable walking on a leash without pulling.
- Practice in Stimulating Environments: As your dog improves, practice in more distracting environments to reinforce good behavior in varied situations.
- Celebrate Progress: Celebrate milestones and improvements with praise and rewards. Positive reinforcement helps solidify good leash behavior.
Remember, each dog is different, so adjust the training pace and methods to suit your dog’s personality and learning style. And always prioritize positive reinforcement and patience throughout the training process.
Why Do I Need a Dog Harness?
A dog harness serves several purposes that can be beneficial for both you and your furry companion:
- Control and Safety: A harness offers better control, especially for dogs that tend to pull on the leash. It distributes pressure more evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing strain on the neck compared to a collar. This can prevent potential injuries and discomfort, especially for breeds prone to respiratory issues or neck injuries.
- Prevention of Escapes: Dogs, particularly those with smaller heads or breeds known for slipping out of collars, may find it harder to escape from a well-fitted harness. This can be especially reassuring during walks or in busy areas.
- Training Aid: Harnesses can aid in training, particularly for leash manners. They provide a more comfortable and secure base for teaching your dog to walk politely on a leash.
- Distribution of Pressure: The design of a harness helps distribute pressure more evenly across your dog’s body, reducing the risk of choking or discomfort that a collar might cause, especially if your dog tends to pull.
- Support for Certain Conditions: For dogs with specific health conditions, such as tracheal issues or certain injuries, harnesses provide support without putting unnecessary pressure on sensitive areas.
Ultimately, the decision to use a harness depends on your dog’s needs, behavior, and your preferred walking/training methods. Some dogs may do well with a collar, while others might benefit more from a harness. Always ensure the harness fits properly and doesn’t cause any discomfort or chafing.
Pro tip: Before you get started, remember that walking on leash isn’t a skill most dogs learn overnight. Keep your training sessions around 10-15 minutes, or even shorter if you’re working with a puppy, since that’s about as long as the typical dog’s attention span will last. When you move to outdoor walks, you can work up to longer sessions—there’s a lot more out there to keep your dog entertained, after all!