How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash?

Walking with your dogs is one of the most beautiful memories you will hold, but more than a beautiful memory, it is a great physical exercise, and it also boosts mental stimulation.

But sometimes dogs get too excited being on the walk, and try to pull, lunge, or try to run off, and that can lead to unfortunate accidents and could result in serious wounds.

However, by training your dog to walk on a leash, you can prevent such accidents, be confident, stress-free, and enjoy your walks.

Leash Training a Dog: 5 Steps to Follow

Many people believe that dog leash training is complicated, but with the right steps, you can make it easy for you and easier for your dog. 

Introduce the Leash or Collar to Your Dog

The first and most common mistake that people often make is that they bring the leash and then put it on the dog.

Since it is a new object, the dog protests and feels uncomfortable in it, and that makes them believe that their dog hates the leash.

But that is not the case; dogs often show hesitation towards new objects. If you want your dogs to be comfortable with the leash, give it to them.

Give them time to sniff it, play with it, and, in simple words, familiarize them with the leash. Once they are comfortable playing with it, that is your cue to put it on.

Gently put the collar around the neck and attach the leash. To make the procedure more peaceful and positive, reward them with treats and constantly praise them, talk to them, and keep them engaged. 

Remember, at this stage, you should not take them for a walk, let them roam around the home, and be comfortable with it.

Start Indoors

As mentioned above, give it some time, start at your home, where there are fewer distractions. Hold the leash and call your dog to come to you.

When they do, give them a pat and a treat to reinforce a positive connection between the dog and the leash.

Repeat the procedure several times until you feel like they are comfortable and are now trained to respond.

Practise Indoor Walking with Dog on Leash

When they are trained to respond and come to you, now it's time to take it to the next level. Instead of taking your dog in bustling streets with traffic and noise, it is better to start with indoor walks.

Keep the leash loose and use treats, pats, or words of encouragement to foster an action and to encourage following you around.

If your dog still pulls, don't worry. Stop walking and don't move until they return to you. This will help stop pulling because the dog will know that pulling will lead them nowhere.

Take Them Outside to a Less Crowded Area

Since your dog is new to training leash, try to avoid crowded places and take them to a park or a less-crowded street with less noise and fewer distractions. As your dog grows comfortable on leash, you can take them to a busier street or park.

Consistency is the Key

Leash training is a lot like classical conditioning. In order to keep your dog well-trained, you need to practise regularly and use treats and pats as positive reinforcement. If you are consistent and patient with your dog, they will learn to walk on a leash in no time.

Common Leash-Training Problems & How to Fix Them

Despite regular practice, most dogs acquire some habits during walks, which may lead to leash training becoming a complicated task.

The positive thing is that such behaviours are entirely normal and can be fixed with patience, composed instructions, and appropriate equipment. These are the most prevalent leash-training obstacles and the ways to break them.

Pulling on the Leash

One of the largest problems is pulling, particularly in active pups. When your dog runs forward, you must stop walking and wait there until it comes back to your side.

As soon as the leash slips again, keep on walking. This shows your dog that nothing will come of tugging and nothing will go wrong with strolling placidly and gaining ground and appreciation.

Lunging Towards Dogs, People, or Moving Objects

Other dogs become overexcited/reactive on seeing other dogs, cyclists, or joggers. Remain distant as much as you can and redirect the attention of your dog with a treat or by uttering a joyful command such as This way!

Give them a treat when they turn to watch you. Through repetition, your dog will learn to look at you as the guide instead of responding to the distractions.

Stopping and Refusing to Move

Dogs can go stiff when walking because they are scared or overstimulated, as well as when they are lost in the environment.

Be patient and do not push them along; get them to take small steps gradually with some praise or a favourite snack.

Sniffing and Slowness

Sniffing is not only a normal practice in dogs; it is a very natural behaviour that should not be overly indulged.

Give your dog permission to take their time by giving him a command like go sniff, and then shortly thereafter, redirect them again. This does not make the walk tiresome.

Biting or Pulling on the Leash

Puppies can especially nibble or chew on the leash as the puppy is curious or excited. Make walks interesting using treats or toys, and do not make chewing leashes into a game. Get them back to performing after you or performing the basic cues, such as sit or watch me.

Overexcitement When the Leash Comes Out

In case the very sight of the leash causes your dog to run away in a frenzy, you should train it to see the leash and then not to go for a walk right away.

You should reward calm behaviour, and only after your dog has settled down, should you clip the leash.

This would make them connect the leash with the positive experiences that are calm, instead of overstimulation.

Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash with DOOG 

DOOG makes leash training easier with our high-quality, easy-to-wear and control leashes and collars. Our goal is to make your walks joyful and peaceful.

Because we know that these small moments are a big achievement for both fur babies and their parents, whilst training demands time, patience, and consistency, the payoff is gratifying.

With consistent practice, positive reinforcement, and loads of treats, your pup will learn to leash on a leash in no time. If you want to make your walks more memorable, DOOG is here to amplify your experience and provide high-quality gear to protect your little baby.