How to Leash Train Dogs and Puppies

How many times have you seen a dog out on a walk that is pulling and tugging on his owner unmercifully? With your dog or puppy, the best way to avoid this problem is to properly leash train the animal. After all, dogs are not born understanding how to behave on a leash; hey have to be taught this skill. Leash training a dog or puppy is not difficult if you know what to do. Just make sure that you are making it a positive experience, and soon the two of you will be enjoying long walks together.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Leash
• Collar or harness
• Treats

1. Begin leash training by doing some basic exercises at home. Your dog may be afraid of the leash at first, so keeping him in an evnironment that he feels comfortable in will help him adjust to the new training tool.

2. Start training after your dog has mastered the "sit" and "stay" commands. Have the dog sit and stay while you put on the leash and collar or harness.

3. Consider associating the leash and collar with meal time. Put them on the dog or puppy while he eats. This will make your dog associate the leash with one of his favorite events--meal time.

4. Walk around the house with your dog while he is on the collar. Do not direct him, but simply follow him, as this will get him accustomed to having you walk beside him while he is on the leash.

5. Go outside and let the dog play while wearing the leash. Offer him a treat.

6. Hold the leash with your right hand and tempt your dog to walk on your left side using a treat. Walk around the yard and praise your dog, giving him the treat when you are done.

7. Discourage pulling by turning and walking in a different direction when the dog starts pulling. Your dog will quickly learn that pulling gets him nowhere and the best way to get a treat or some praise is to walk right next to you.

8. Take him outside of your yard once he seems comfortable with the leash. Do not be surprised if he is scared at first. It is a big world outside of the yard, after all.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Leash training a dog or puppy is not going to happen overnight. Give your dog some time to adjust to the change and soon you will be enjoying walks every day.

• If your dog is too excited to walk on the leash well, consider playing with him to tire him out before you go for your walk. A dog that has had some activity before a walk is more able to follow through with a leash training routine.

• Never scold or hit your dog while leash training. Remember, this is new to him and it will take him some time to adjust.

• Never allow your dog to pull on the leash. Always turn the other way and force him to follow next to you with your body movement.

Resources

• Tips for Leash Training Your Dog
• Puppy Training Tips: Pulling on the Leash