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Step 1
Keep your dog on a shorter leash, especially when you first start to teach walking etiquette. This keeps the dog closer to you so you can react faster if becomes excited or starts fighting with another dog. A 4-foot nylon leash give you enough room for a comfortable walk but affords you the leverage to quickly pull your dog away. Don't jerk or tug at your dog's neck with the leash. You can injure your pet's neck and encourage leash aggression. Hold the leash firmly and don't let her dart ahead of you.
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Step 2
Choose the dog-walking harness or collar that works best with your particular dog. For some, a plain collar or harness will be effective for training, while more spirited dogs may require a prong collar.
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Step 3
Begin at your front door and make sure the dog doesn't walk through the portal before you. Moving first is how you show him who is the dominant force on the walk.
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Step 4
Tell your dog, calmly but firmly, "Heel," and then step off and begin the walk.
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Step 5
Ensure that the dog always walks at your side or behind you. The dog should not be consistently walking in front of you (particularly dogs with alpha-dog tendencies). Let him walk ahead as an occasional reward, but only in short bursts after he has had ample exercise.
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Step 6
Stop, start and turn abruptly. This will make your dog more alert to your movements, and reinforce the notion that she must pay attention to you.
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Step 7
Choose when to allow your dog to stop and smell the grass or nearby trees or to examine an object. Don't stop every time your pet wants to. This further reinforces your dominant role.
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Step 8
Bring treats on the walk and give your dog commands, such as "Sit," "Stay," and "Wait" as you go. Reward the dog each time she obeys.
