How To Train A Dog To Walk On A Leash: Tips And Tricks
Leash training is one of the essential skills you need to learn to enjoy walking your dog in public spaces like parks or malls. Walking your dog on a leash is also a great exercise both for you and your dog and can improve overall responsiveness and obedience. In this article, you will learn how to train a dog to walk on a leash, the kinds of leashes you can use, and the importance of consistency and patience. Once you learn these things, you and your dog will enjoy and share many happy walks.
What is a Leash?
As pet owners, a leash is not something new to us. It is a rope, made of leather, nylon, or chain links that we attach to a collar or harness to train our dogs. They come in various lengths and styles. Some examples are the standard dog leash, the retractable leash, the chain leash, and the Martingale leash.
The very purpose of the leash is to protect your dog and also other people in public. Not to mention, walking on a leash has its benefits:
- They are a simple and effective way to control dogs during training sessions.
- Prevent dogs from chasing and scaring other people’s pets.
- Prevent dogs from wandering to pee or poop in places.
- Avoid road injury when dogs run off, uncontrolled.
See how highly important it is to learn how to train a dog to walk on a leash?
Why Walks Are Important
Before going into the details on how to train a dog to walk on a leash, let us answer first the question: “Why dog walks are important?”
Well, dogs are natural explorers. Once you put them in a new environment, whether as puppies or grown dogs, they will explore that place and even mark them as their territory, they will get used to that place and tend to get bored, so it is always good to walk them. Of course, walking them requires a leash.
Walking your dog is essential because it is an important key to their health and well-being. It is an exercise, as mentioned, not only for them but also for us pet owners! Strolling in the park is like a spa for dogs. Another thing why walks are also important is because it can help with the digestion of your dog and help them sleep better in the evenings. Lastly, walking is a perfect way to give you and your dog the time to bond and build trust!
How to Train Your Dog on A Leash
Now that we have answered that query let us proceed in training your dog to walk on a leash! Again, always consider these two things: consistency and patience. If you do not have these, you will surely fail in training your dog. Here are the ways on how to train a dog walk on a leash:
- Introduce the collar and the leash to your dog. They must get used to it. Always be considerate of the kind of collar or leash you put on them. It has to be comfortable.
- Start walking them in familiar places around your house. Attention spans of dogs are short, so training them where they are familiar with the scent will help them keep focus.
- Develop a reward system. Use treats, the small and chewable kind, to keep your dog focused on you when you start to train them in public places. Train their focus on a leash by giving them treats after they follow your “sit” or “lie down” command.
- If your dog starts pulling on the leash, stop moving and stand still. This method will help them learn that when they pull, they will not go anywhere. Call your dog and reward them a treat if they approach you.
- In case your dog gets distracted by other dogs or other animals in the park, use the reward system again. Stop walking, call your dog, and once they focus on you, give them another treat.
- Repeat this until they learn and master to walk with you without the need for treats.
Consistency on how to train a dog to walk on a leash and patience are the keys to successful training. Walking in the park will be easy and smooth. It will further cement a bond between you and your dog.
Conclusion
Now you know how to train a dog to walk on a leash. Pretty simple, right? Of course, not all simple things are easy. I keep on emphasizing two things: consistency and patience. Both are difficult to achieve if you are lazy and in a hurry. Training your dogs need constant action, especially when training them to walk on a leash. Find out more about pet training.