Training Your Dog to Walk on Leash

Choosing the Right Collar

For dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds, a regular collar and leash may be used. For larger dogs, it is sometimes better to use a choke collar or an anti-pulling harness. Choke collars, which usually cost about $1, are a chain that goes around the dog's neck. The choke collar tightens when the dog pulls. The collar can also be tightened by the owner when the dog is about to do something wrong. However, if the dog pulls too much or the collar is pulled too tight, it may cause him to choke.

Using an Anti-Pull Harness

Dogs that are consistent pullers and are larger than 25 pounds can use an anti-pull harness. These harnesses come in a variety of sizes according to the dog's weight and usually cost $10 to $25. This type of harness works by giving the dog the feeling that her front paws are being lifted off the ground when she pulls because it tightens around her chest and front legs. A harness cannot cause the dog to choke and can be adjusted to fit each dog personally.

Decreasing Pulling

This process is what usually takes the most time and patience. Each time the dog begins to pull on the leash, the owner must immediately stop and ask the dog to sit. The dog will eventually realize that if it is pulling, it will not be allowed to go any further. Another method is to take the dog in the opposite direction of the way it is pulling. Each time the dog pulls, the owner instantly turns around and begins walking the opposite direction.

Teaching the 'Heel' Command

In order to train the dog to walk beside its owner instead of in front of him, food is a good incentive. The leash should always be slack and the dog should be given a treat each time it successfully walks beside its owner. This teaches the dog that walking beside its owner when the owner says "heel" earns a reward. The number of treats is slowly decreased until the dog automatically learns to walk beside its owner.