How to Leash Train Any Dog

Dog lovers know that inviting dogs into their lives reduces stress and increases their sense of well-being. But for many dog owners, leash training a dog can be stressful for dog and human alike. Unfortunately, many give up and never reap the healthful rewards and bonding benefits that come from walking a dog. With the right knowledge, you can train a dog to walk on a leash. Whether the dog is young or old, big or small, no matter what your dog training experience is, you can follow the steps below to learn how to leash train a dog.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Dog
• Patience

1. 1: In this step, you train the dog to not reel with excitement when it sees the leash. Completing this step will put the dog in the proper frame of mind so that training can continue.
   Without acknowledging your dog, walk around the house with the leash. Repeat this exercise until the dog seems disinterested when he sees the leash.

2. 2: This exercise will train the dog to be calm when the leash is attached and will allow the dog to become accustomed to the feel of the leash.
   Command the dog to sit. If he does not know the command, then say "sit" once and push his rear end to the floor. Attach the leash, then walk away. Allow the dog to drag the leash around the house for awhile so that he can become accustomed to its feel.

3. 3. This step will teach the dog to acknowledge you as the leader while it is attached to the leash.
   With your dog attached to the leash, walk around the house as you normally would. If the dog walks in front of you at any time (i.e. starts to lead you), then abruptly turn around and walk the other way. Whenever you stop, command the dog to sit. Remember, with any command, say it once, then follow through by gently forcing the dog to obey.

4. 4. This step teaches the dog to be calm while exiting the house.
   Command the leashed dog to sit and stay in front of the closed door. Once he is calm, then open the door. If the dog stands up or becomes excited, then close the door and start over again. Once the door is open, then exit the door while commanding the dog to remain seated. Once you are outside, then allow the dog to follow.

5. 5. In this exercise, the dog learns that you will continue the walk only if it allows you to lead. For your first outdoor exercise, you will not be leaving your yard (or a small area if you live in an apartment). Begin walking towards the street or sidewalk. If the dog pulls, sharply turn around and walk a straight path back to the house. Then attempt a straight path to the street again, repeating the turn around if the dog begins to pull.

6. 6. In this exercise, the dog learns that you are consistent and firm in your expectations.
   If your dog has had experience pulling you down the road in the past, he will probably go back into pulling mode once you make it to the street. Again, simply turn around and start walking the other way.

Tips & Warnings

• All dog training can be summed up with this statement: The trainer must get the behavior he wants from the dog before the dog gets what he wants from the trainer.
• As your dog's trainer, it is your obligation to give your dog as many opportunities as it needs to learn good behavior.
• Leash or no leash, never let your dog walk in front of you.
• Always remain relaxed and enjoy your time with your dog. If you begin to feel stressed, take a break and continue later.
• Remember, your dog is your best friend no matter how many times you screw up. Now is your chance to return the favor.