Have you ever thought about how to train a dog on a leash so that he can walk by your side and stop when you ask him to and walk on your orders? Leash training is vital for all dogs, not only for their safety but also for the people around them.
As you know, dogs have a natural prey drive, and if they are not trained, they will run away every time they see a cat or squirrel. Dogs love to run off-leash, but you can’t allow them if they aren’t trained. Here in this article, we will discuss how to leash train a dog. What is the equipment used for the process, and the tips to keep in mind?
How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash?
Before We Begin
Training your dog to walk on a leash will need a few tools. Some essential tools to use for leash training are:
Leashes
Select a leash that is 10 to 15 feet long and feels good in your hand. Generally, the leash should be long enough so that you won’t feel any burns on your hand even if a dog pulls. For training purposes, you will also need a 30 to 50 feet long leash that will be used for safe exploration by your furry friend. However, do not use retractable leashes as they can cause severe burns to animals and people.
Collars
Use a smooth collar that fits the size of your dog’s neck. The collar should be fit enough that you can put 2-4 fingers between the collar and his neck. Don’t use a wide collar that can slip over your dog’s head. If your dog is a strong puller and pulls so hard that he starts coughing or breathing loudly and causes an imbalance on walks, then a collar is not perfect for your dog. You can choose a harness instead of a collar.
Teaching Your Dog to Walk on a Leash: Step by Step
Step 1
Begin the leash training process by training your dog to wear a collar and making sure he gets used to it. Take your dog for training in your backyard or at the park. Begin by holding the treat in your right hand and leash it in your left hand. Use the treat to lure your dog to the right side, and his face should be in the same direction as yours.
When your dog reaches the right side, please give him a treat. This is the first step; maybe once your dog eats the treat, he will walk away; if that happens, lure them back for the treat in the same spot. If you want your dog to walk with you on the left side, hold the leash in your right hand and treat it in your left hand.
Step 2
Once your dog is used to the treats, take him to the starting position and let him sniff the treat in your hand. When he smells the treat, raise your hand over your shoulder, give a command like “with me,” and start moving forward. If your dog starts moving with you, reward him with a treat. You can use any command word, but once you choose it, follow it.
