A lot of people assume dogs just naturally know how to walk nicely on a leash, but it’s actually a skill that needs to be taught. It’s definitely worth the effort, and you’ll appreciate it every time you take your dog for a walk. Here are some helpful tips from dog training expert Kathy Santo, who’s also a columnist for AKC Family Dog:
Training Your Dog to Walk on a Leash
Follow these steps to build a strong foundation for your dog’s walks:
Get Your Puppy Used to the Collar, Harness, and Leash
Start by letting your puppy get comfortable wearing a collar or harness and a leash. Let them wear it for short periods inside while you play with them and give them treats. The goal is to make collar-and-leash time fun and rewarding for your puppy.
Teach a Cue for Food
Introduce a sound that tells your puppy, “Food is coming!” Some people click, others say “yes,” or even use a tongue-clicking sound. Whatever you choose, the idea is the same: In a quiet, distraction-free area, with your puppy on a leash and collar, make the sound. The moment your puppy looks at you or turns toward you, reward them with a treat. After a few repetitions, your puppy will start looking at you or even coming to you for the treat.
PetSafe Easy Walk No-Pull Dog Harness
PetSafe Easy Walk No-Pull Dog Harness gently discourages pulling, offering better control and comfort, with an easy-to-adjust design for a stress-free walk.
Also Read: How to Train a Dog to Stop Barking at Strangers?
Get Your Puppy to Come to You
While your puppy is wearing the leash and collar, take a few steps backward as they come toward you. When they reach you, give them a treat. Keep practicing until your puppy reliably comes to you and walks a few steps with you when they hear the cue. Remember, puppies have short attention spans, so keep sessions brief and end on a positive note, when your puppy is still eager to continue.
Practice Inside
Now that your puppy understands the basics, practice walking a few steps together inside, where there are fewer distractions. The new experience of having the leash on will be enough of a challenge. Keep offering treats and praise as they get the hang of walking with you.
Take It Outside
Once your puppy is comfortable indoors, take them outside for a real walk. Be aware that all the new sights, sounds, and smells will be exciting and distracting. Keep the first walks short, and be patient. If your puppy starts to lunge or get distracted (you’ll be able to tell because you’re watching them closely), make your cue sound and move a few steps away. When they follow you, reward them with a treat.
Blue-9 Buckle-Neck Balance Harness
Blue-9 Buckle-Neck Balance Harness provides comfort and control with its adjustable design, helping to reduce pulling and promoting positive walking habits for your dog.
Also Read: How to Potty Train a 2-Month-Old Puppy?
Leash-Training Troubleshooting
As your puppy learns to walk on a leash, you might face some challenges as they get older, explore new places, and deal with new distractions. That’s when it’s time to teach them how to walk on a loose leash, which makes walks more enjoyable for both of you—and it’ll help them pass their Canine Good Citizen test! Here are some tips from the AKC GoodDog! Helpline if you’re having trouble with leash training:
If Your Puppy Pulls
If your puppy starts pulling in the other direction, turn yourself into “a tree.” Stand still and don’t move until they come back to you. Don’t jerk or yank the leash, and don’t drag them along. You can also try using a front-hook harness or a head halter, which can help with pulling.
If Your Puppy Lunges
If your puppy lunges at something while on a walk—like another dog, a car, or even a skateboard—be proactive. Try to get their attention with a treat before they get the chance to lunge. Increase the space between them and whatever’s distracting them. Stay alert and prepare for the moment before they get too close. This behavior can be more common in herding breeds, but any dog can be startled by things they’re not used to or find exciting.
Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash
Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash offers durability and visibility with its reflective stitching, providing a secure and stylish walking experience for your dog.
Also Read: How to Make My Puppy Sleep Through the Night?
If Your Puppy Barks
Some dogs bark at other dogs while on walks, often because they don’t get enough exercise. Make sure your dog is getting the right amount of physical and mental activity for their breed and age. If barking is still an issue, follow the same approach you would for lunging: create more distance and offer treats before they start barking. Over time, they’ll start looking at you instead of barking when they see another dog.
As you keep practicing, you’ll need fewer treats and less troubleshooting on your walks. But it’s a good idea to carry some treats with you, just in case, to reward good leash-walking behavior when it happens!
