Teaching your dog to walk calmly by your side without pulling on the leash is a fundamental aspect of responsible dog ownership. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and techniques to achieve successful leash training, ensuring more enjoyable walks for both you and your canine companion. While it can be a challenging process, the rewards of a well-behaved dog on leash are well worth the effort.
Prior to Leash Training a Puppy
Before you begin formal leash training, consider using tools that can help manage pulling behavior. A head collar or a front-attachment harness can be effective in discouraging your dog from lunging forward. These tools work by redirecting your dog’s attention back to you when they pull. Front-attachment harnesses are particularly user-friendly and suitable for a wide range of dogs. For dogs with more assertive tendencies or for owners needing maximum control, a head collar for dogs can provide an added layer of security, especially for smaller owners managing larger breeds.
When using these no-pull devices, it’s crucial to use leashes that are no longer than 6 feet. A leash that is too long increases the risk of your dog running and potentially injuring themselves if they abruptly reach the end of the leash.
Stop and Reward Method
A highly effective technique for leash training a puppy is the “stop and reward” method. This involves pausing your forward movement whenever your dog pulls and rewarding them with a treat when they return to your side. Keeping a treat bag on your waist can be incredibly beneficial during training sessions. If your dog isn’t highly motivated by food, alternative rewards such as a tug toy, a favorite chew toy, or a game of fetch with a ball can be equally effective.
Dog Leash Training Step by Step
The following steps provide a detailed approach to teaching your dog to walk politely on a leash.
Step 1: Make Walking With You Rewarding
Begin leash training by attaching your puppy to a long rope or leash (10-20 feet, not retractable) while they wear a standard harness. Prepare small, pea-sized rewards like fresh meat or cheese, and head to a familiar outdoor area, such as your backyard.
Decide on the side your dog will walk on (traditionally the left). Deliver the treat reward near your thigh on that chosen side. Your dog will naturally start to stay close to you, associating that position with positive reinforcement. Walk briskly and unpredictably around your yard. Whenever your dog is beside you, offer praise and a treat. As they maintain this position, reward them frequently. Gradually, you can reduce the frequency of treats as they improve. If your dog shows little interest, try again later when they are hungrier. Practice until your dog consistently stays by your side.
Gigo walking by my side. Feeding Gigo a treat by my side.
Step 2: Encourage Them to Follow You
In this stage of leash training, walk around your yard. When your dog wanders off or lags behind to sniff or eliminate, say “let’s go” in an encouraging tone. Initially, slap your thigh to get their attention, then turn and walk away from them.
When your dog catches up, reward them with praise and a treat delivered by your preferred side. Continue offering treats every few steps if they stay with you. If they catch up quickly, offer an extra reward. If the leash becomes taut and they don’t come to you, stop walking and apply gentle leash pressure. This pressure serves as a reminder of your presence and makes ignoring you slightly unpleasant, but it should not be used to force them. Praise and release the pressure as they move towards you. Reward them with praise and a treat by your side as they rejoin you, and continue rewarding them for staying close as you walk. Practice until your dog stays by your side most of the time and returns readily when you say “let’s go.”
“Let’s go”, and walking away.
Step 3: Designated Sniff and Potty Breaks
During leash training, it’s important to allow your dog time for sniffing and eliminating. Designate specific times for these activities. When you would normally offer a treat reward, instead say “go sniff” and allow them to explore or go potty on the leash. Treat this as a privilege. If they pull during this time, say “let’s go” and change direction, ending the free time. When you wish to resume walking, say “let’s go” and start moving.
Authorized sniff break!
Step 4: Increased Focus and Shorter Leash
Continue practicing dog leash training in your yard using a shorter leash, gradually reducing it to 6 feet. Practice walking at varying speeds, stopping abruptly, and changing directions. Reward your dog for maintaining their position by your side during these changes.
Begin to reward your dog less frequently for simply walking by your side in normal circumstances. However, continue to offer rewards when they successfully stay with you during challenging situations, such as changes in pace, direction, or when encountering distractions like other animals or people.
White dog on leash watching owner
Taking It to the Street
Apply the same techniques used in your yard during neighborhood walks, but be prepared for increased distractions. Use a front-attachment harness or head collar for added control and carry high-value treats. Start walks with “let’s go.” If your dog pulls or becomes distracted, repeat “let’s go” and change direction. Reward them generously when they walk beside you, especially during challenging moments. Remember to grant permission for sniff breaks. Be mindful of leash training a puppy as they are still learning impulse control.
Challenge Your Dog During Leash Training
To further enhance your dog’s focus, outfit them in a standard harness attached to a 6-foot leash. Toss a ball or treat 20 feet away. If your dog pulls towards the object, use the “let’s go” command and walk in the opposite direction. If they walk beside you towards the object, allow them to reach it and claim it as their reward. Initially, you might use a longer leash or a less enticing object to make this exercise easier.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your dog consistently crosses in front of you, gently stomp or shuffle your feet to make your presence more noticeable. If they lag significantly behind, they may be fearful or unwell; use encouragement rather than pulling. If lagging is for sniffing or potty breaks, continue walking with gentle leash pressure, and reward them generously for walking with you. If your dog alternates between walking beside you and pulling, focus on rewarding a larger number of consecutive steps by your side, rather than rewarding them for returning after pulling.
Small white and brown dog on a leash in the snow
How to Train a Dog to Walk On a Leash and Heel
Teaching your dog to “heel” is beneficial for short periods when you need them close and attentive, such as when passing distractions. Begin practicing heel indoors. Hold a treat in your fist and let your dog sniff it. Say “let’s go” and take a few steps, keeping the treat near your thigh. Praise and reward your dog when they follow your fist with their nose.
Progress to practicing with an empty fist, continuing to praise and reward them for following. Gradually increase your expectations, using your closed fist as a hand signal for “heel.” Practice this both indoors and in more distracting environments.
I hope this guide on leash training provides you with the tools and confidence to enjoy more peaceful and engaging walks with your dog. Explore our leash training aids for dogs, puppy supplies, treats, and other unique dog products to further support your training journey!
The Author:
Jess Rollins
Jess Rollins and Pet Expertise’s Mission is to Help You to Maximize Your Dog’s Potential!
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