How to Teach A Dog Loose Leash Walking

One of the biggest complaints dog owners have is the lack of control they have with their dog on walks. The process soon becomes a vicious circle; the dog requires more exercise due to its energy, but because of its high energy on walks, is never exercised! So what do you do?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A 4ft. or 6ft. leash
• A no-pull harness or halter (if needed)
• Treats (optional)
• Clicker (optional)

1. It's best to begin leash training inside the home. Most people begin outside where the dog instantly becomes unfocused because of all the sounds, sights and most importantly, the smells. Starting in the neutrality of the home causes a lot less frustration and distraction.

2. Put the leash on your dog and designate which side of your body you want him to walk on, the left or the right? Most people choose the left side but choose whatever position is most comfortable for you. Try to avoid switching sides when first starting out, as it may confuse the dog and reinforce unwanted behaviors.

3. Take about 1/4 of the leash and fold it up in your dominant hand (the hand on the side you've designated) and let the rest of the leash go slack. Begin walking around at a normal pace for you and watch for any lunging or pulling behaviors. If he pulls, quickly change direction (without yanking the dog) and go in another direction. If you do this each time the dog pulls, the dog will eventually make the connection that pulling equals going in another direction that they didn't want to go! It also teaches the dog to pay attention to humans because humans are random.

4. Practice the "be a tree" method. This involves stopping dead in your tracks and ignoring the dog until he puts slack in the leash, and then moving forward as soon as he stops pulling. This requires good timing, as the leash could go slack for only a split second, but it's very useful once you get it right.

5. For larger or stronger dogs, a no-pull harness or head halter (similar to that of a horse halter) may be necessary. They don't stop the dog from pulling entirely, but they provide a lot more control and are a good aid for leash training. The harnesses and halters can be found at most popular pet supply chains, but the halters do require some desensitizing for most dogs, as they cover the dog's nose.

6. Teach your dog to target your hand or an object by clicking/treating whenever they touch their nose to your hand or that particular object. Then add the word "target". You can then keep the object or your hand by your designated side and keep their focus on walks by making them target. The more they focus on other things, the less likely they'll pull.

7. Teach your dog the "watch me" command by taking a tasty treat, putting it near your eyes and saying "Watch me!" It works the same way targeting works -- it gets the dog to focus on something other than pulling.

8. Once your dog is walking well on the leash inside the home, graduate to your yard and eventually the great outdoors. Have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• You can use treats and a clicker if you feel comfortable, but it can be difficult to juggle a leash, treats and a clicker all at once. A treat pouch can remedy this.
• Tire your dog out with a high energy game before taking them on a walk. The more tired they are, the less energy and motivation they'll have for pulling.
• Avoid giving leash corrections, dragging your dog around or having a pulling contest. It will only create a frustrated dog and may increase the behavior.

Resources

• www.canine-einstein.org

[eveewonder]

on 9/12/2009 This is a great article on how to teach your dog to walk on a loose leash. Great advice. No one wants to walk their do when they are getting dragged around.