6 Tips For Dog Leash Training
Updated on November 15, 2022
We all know that a dog can be very stubborn and hard-to handle. They often pull on their leashes, which makes it difficult to go out for walks with them or bring them along when we visit friends who do not own dogs! Well here is our ultimate guide for leash training - 100% practical tips guaranteed will work every time, so don't miss this chance anymore because your fur baby deserves some good times too 😉
My 6 Best Tips For Dog Leash Training
Dog leash training is hard, right? You're tired of trying everything and not getting your dog used to the leash.
Every time you go out for a walk, are afraid that your pup will end up dragging on the ground or running after cars while being held back by passersby who don’t understand what owners face every day! But all these problems have solutions with our amazing techniques-just wait until we show them how simple it can be!!
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Note: if you want your dog to be well-behaved, then it's best that they are trained when young. The ideal time frame for dog leash training between 4-6 weeks old (when the puppy has all necessary vaccinations). Puppies are like children: they learn fast ... much faster than adults.
1. Be Patient
We all know that puppies are smart little creatures, but they don't learn new skills overnight. If you're looking for a quick fix, then this isn’t the right article!
It may seem tough at first, and it will take patience of steel to get through dog leash training successfully with your pup, but in time everything gets easier when done right.
The very best way possible - which we'll teach y'all how here soon enough!- is by making sure their neck or leash doesn't pull too hard on either end while walking them correctly next door (or whichever direction).
2. Buy Everything You Need
Most people think that to train their dog they need just one leash, but the reality is more complicated. You'll definitely want at least two leashes and some other things:
- A long 7-10 ft retractable leash for when you're out walking your pup.
- A shorter 3 - 5 foot non-retractable one which can be used as a dog leash training tool or general guidance in public places like stores where it might feel safer not having anything hanging around trying potentially get tangled up with someone else's feet.
- Harnesses are recommended during early stages.
- Collars work well too - though we don’t usually use those until later.
- Tasty treats should motivate our pups more than anything else at this point in their lives.
Read: 10 Essentials For Puppies You Will Need
3. Start At The Beginning And Work Your Way Up
Just as humans need to learn how to walk on two feet, so do dogs!
The first step is putting a harness or collar around your pups' neck with leash attached. Don't let him get too comfortable because soon enough you'll be taking it off again after only moments.
One your friend feels comfortable wearing the collar and leash indoor, go outside for short periods of time using these tools until he's used to being tethered by both collar/harness AND leash.
4. Create Pleasant Associations
Direct your dog's attention away from the leash by playing with him, feeding, or doing something pleasant. This may be what you need so that it doesn't resist dog leash training any more than necessary.
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5. Invent A Cue
The use of keywords is important in any kind of training, such as puppy potty training. You can choose a keyword or even a sound. The important thing is that the reiteration makes your dog understand what's happening and how he should act.
To practice cueing, lead your dog on a leash at home and say the cue. When your dog turns to look at you, give him a treat.
Repeat the process as many times as necessary for your puppy to associate the sound or word with a reward. Over time, he'll not only stare at you, but quickly approach you.
Note: it is essential that you wait for your dog to come to you to reward him. Wait for him to approach and when he is by your side, give him the treat. After a couple of repetitions, modify the training by taking a few steps back, always holding the leash, and waiting for your puppy to come to you to reward him.
6. Practice Makes Perfection
Put your dog on a leash inside the house and walk with him, rewarding him every time he does it at your pace and without pulling. Use the cue to let him know that you have to come to you and reward.
When you feel that your dog responds to the cue and is able to walk a bit next to you, try outside. Outside may be more difficult than inside, as possible distractions increase and the innate curiosity of puppies will lead your furry friend to want to investigate everything as soon as possible.
Find an area of the park away from other dogs and where there are as few distractions as possible. Keep your eye on your puppy (as you read, forget about the mobile) and pay attention to the moments when he becomes stressed or interested in something too much.
You may be interested in: How To Choose A Collar And A Leash For Your Dog?
Easy Fix to Common Leash Training Issues
My Dog Is Losing Concentration
When you see that your dog is close to losing concentration, tell the cue to come to you.
This distraction will help stop him from pulling on the leash or jumping on someone. Recognize.
My Pup Pulls On The Leash
If your dog starts to pull on the leash, don't pull back. This could harm him. Instead, find a quiet place and stand, without moving. Don't yell, don't pull on the leash, just repeat the cue until your dog comes to you, then reward the action.
My Furry-Friend Is Distracted
In case you notice your puppy is getting distracted by something, redirect his attention with the cue and reward. If the problem is that your dog barks at other dogs, use the cue: go to a quiet place and do not move, just repeat the cue until he comes to you. Of course, reward.
In the end, the cue serves to regain your dog's attention in any situation. Therefore, it is vital that he practice it over and over again at home.
Why Is Leash Training Vital?
Every dog parent should take the time for leash training because it really matters! When your dog does not behave as you expect during a walk, you get frustrated ... and so does he.
🐕 The walks should be relaxing and fun times. If both of you are frustrated, you will become stressed, and you will go home with less energy than before and even angry.
🐶 In addition, frustration will only make your furry friend rebel more and more against the leash, that object that only generates disagreements with the person he loves the most in the world.
🐩 On the other hand, did you ever think about the health consequences that continual pulling on the leash can have for your dog? And for you too, after all, your back could suffer.
If you manage to see things from the point of view of your pet, and feel what he feels every time he pulls on the leash or when making a stop, then surely you will be much closer to being able to train him in an optimal way.
The dog leash training tips that we have shared with you in this article should help get you started. And remember, the key is consistency! If you can find the right balance between patience, affection and firmness during leash training, success is guaranteed. So go out there and start training your furry friend today!
Discover: 4 Ways To Reduce Stress With Your Dog
FAQ
At What Age Should Leash Training Start?
Though every dog is different, most will be ready to start leash training around the age of four to six weeks. Of course, this is just a general guideline - some dogs may need a bit more time. One way to tell if your dog is ready to start leash training is if they are able to follow basic commands such as "sit" and "stay." If your dog is able to do this, then he's likely ready to start learning how to walk on a leash.
Another important factor to consider is your dog's energy level. If your dog is full of energy and constantly trying to explore their surroundings, then he may benefit from starting leash training sooner.
On the other hand, if your dog is more laid-back and content to lounge around the house, then he may do better starting leash training a bit later on. Ultimately, it is important to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist to determine when the best time for leash training would be for your specific dog.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Pulling On The Leash?
The best way to stop your pup from pulling on the leash is starting dog leash training. On the other hand, some of the best tips we can share with you are:
1. Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come
2. Practice walking your dog in a calm and controlled manner
3. Use a front clip harness to help train your dog not to pull on the leash
4. Reward your dog for good behavior with treats and positive reinforcement
5. Be patient and consistent - it may take some time for your dog to learn how to walk properly on a leash
What's The Best Way To Leash Train A Dog?
Leash training a dog can be a challenge, but it's important to do if you want to be able to take your furry friend out in public without having them pull on the leash or run off. There are a few things you can do to help make leash training easier on both of you:
- Get a good quality leash and collar that fit your dog properly.
- Practice walking around your house or backyard with your dog on the leash.
- Let your pup get used to the feel of the leash and collar before taking him out in public.
- When you're ready to take your dog for a walk, start off slow and let them stop and smell things along the way.
- Be consistent with your commands and rewards, and have patience - leash training takes time! But with a little effort, you and your dog will be happily walking together in no time.
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Hi Terri!
Thanks for your comment! So happy to hear you found our article interesting. And yes, you are right: there are a lot of people trying to teach their dog to walk with them using a retractable leash. It’s a common training issue! Hope to see you around another time!
Great tips for walking your dog on a leash! I especially like that you note the leash should be non-retractable. I am always amazed at the number of people I see at the park who are trying to get their dog to walk on a retractable leash. That just will never work. You did a very nice job on this article.
I’m sharing with my dog friends!
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