How to Leash Train a Dog

Guide Note

Taking your dog for a walk is one of the pleasures of owning a four-legged friend. Be sure you know how to properly use your puppy's leash before suiting up Fido for a long stroll around the neighborhood.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Step 1: Getting Started
• Step 2: Time to Head Outside
• Step 3: Setting the Pace
• Step 4: Additional Training
• Conclusion
• Resources

Leash Training Tips

1. Be sure your dog's collar is neither too loose nor too tight.
   • Try using a harness for a smaller dog.
2. At first, simply try having your dog walk around with a leash attached to his collar—without your holding it or pulling it.
3. Start slowly. It will take a little time for your dog's paws to toughen up and for him to get used to a longer walk.
4. Prepare for outdoor conditions: in the winter, your dog may need a sweater or jacket. And if you're headed on a walk in hot weather, bring water.

• by Tracy C.

Introduction

No matter where you go, your pup needs to be comfortable on a leash. (Creative Commons photo by Eric Cheung)

• Leash training your new puppy or adopted older dog is a crucial skill that will allow you to take walks with your dog during which you are in control. Walks are critical to your pet's health, potentially extending their life span and wearing them out enough that they are less likely to make a meal of your new loafers. Not only that, but a leash can save your dog's life, preventing her from jumping out into the street or jumping on strangers who may not react kindly to an exuberant Weimaraner. And don't forget walks with your dog are good exercise for you, too. So take the time to leash train your pet, teaching her how to walk at your pace and learning to remain calm despite that tempting squirrel up ahead.

Step 1: Getting Started

• Just as you wouldn't go out running for the first time without a pair of sneakers and some kind of training plan, your dog needs a few key items for a good walk.

Key Equipment

1. Before any walking can take place, you'll need:
   • • A buckle-style dog collar
     • A flat leash made from leather, nylon, or metal OR
     • A retractable leash, which allows pets to go up to 20 feet away from you on a retractable cord. Remember, this leash gives your dog the freedom to run but may not be the best leash for initial training
     • A choke collar if you anticipate having difficulty controlling your dog
2. Find collars and leashes at your local PETCO, PetSmart, or pet supply store, or online at Amazon.com.
3. Make sure your dog's collar isn't so loose that he will slip out of it. But you don't want it so tight that he's uncomfortable and will think it is a punishment.
   

   Harnesses may be safer for smaller breeds. (Creative Commons photo by existentist)
4. You might try a "martingale" style collar, which tightens as your dog pulls against it.
5. Smaller dogs may do better with harnesses that won't accidentally cause neck injury.
6. Make sure that your leash is in good condition, not fraying or splitting.
7. If you like to walk when it's dark outside, have your dog wear a reflective vest.
8. You'll also need additional gear for walks in cold temperatures. Small dogs may need sweaters or jackets, and be sure to wash dog's paws in warm water upon your return to eliminate hazards of salting or antifreeze if there's snow on the ground.

Getting Used to the Leash

1. At the very beginning, your dog needs to get used to wearing a leash. Try attaching the leash but not holding it yourself yet.
2. You might try attaching his leash while he's eating, so he begins to make the association that leash = fun, just like food does.
3. Encourage your pup to walk a little on his own, with the leash attached but without you holding it. Use treats to encourage him to walk a few steps so he gets used to the idea of walking with a leash attached.
4. For the next few days of leash training, gently hold the leash as your dog walks around your home, letting him guide you and not pulling on the leash at all.
5. If your pup refuses to move, try pulling a little on the leash and praising him for coming with you, even just a couple of steps. Don't forget to reward him with treats!
6. Remember it may take an older dog longer to become accustomed to wearing a collar and leash if he's never done so before.

Paw Health

1. Before starting a rigorous walking schedule have your dog's foot pads examined.
2. Also be sure his nails are trimmed short (you may ask your vet for instructions to do this yourself, or bring your pet to the groomer) so it's easier for your pup to walk.

Step 2: Time to Head Outside

Remember that doggies don't wear shoes, so keep sidewalk temperature in mind. (Creative Commons photo by Jennifer Boyer)

• Once your dog's accustomed to wearing his leash, it's time to practice outdoors.

1. When heading outside for the first time, don't forget to keep temperature in mind. If it's very hot out, limit walks to a very short jaunt, and avoid concrete or blacktop that tends to get extremely hot for paws to walk on (think about how it feels barefoot!).
2. On your first time outside, let your dog walk around with the leash attached but without holding it.
   • Obviously you'll want to be in a fenced or enclosed area for this!
3. Then, start to hold the leash in your right hand, while keeping your dog on your left side by holding a treat in your left hand.
4. Reward your dog for walking even a little ways by giving him the treat.

Step 3: Setting the Pace

• You're ready to go for your first walks with your dog; take it slow in the beginning and realize that it may take time to establish the right pace.

1. Decide who will walk the dog in the beginning—though children may want to hold the leash and be in charge, if your child cannot control your dog on a walk, make sure an adult is in control until the dog knows how to walk on a leash.
2. Start slowly, increasing the distance of your walks a little each time.
3. At first, a daily 10-15 minute walk is the way to build up endurance.
4. Remember that dogs get sore, too, and they'll need time for the pads on their paws to grow calluses that will let them walk for longer distances and on varied surfaces.
5. Once you start walking, consistently reward your dog with treats for walking at the same pace as you. Give her a treat as often as "every few seconds" and let your dog know that you have treats in one hand by showing them to her and keeping them fairly close to her mouth as you walk.
6. As your dog becomes more comfortable walking, you can keep your hand closer to your body or in a pocket and give your dog treats less and less often, as long as she is keeping pace and not pulling ahead.
7. Remember that taking your dog out for a few minutes to "use the facilities" doesn't really count as a walk and won't provide you enough time for real training. Build time into your schedule to exercise your dog on walks that you'll both enjoy and during which you can work on leash skills.

Take Time to Sniff Around

1. Remember that a major reason for walking outside is for Rover to relieve himself. Part of your walks are going to be devoted to sniffing around for the perfect spot, so don't expect your pup to cruise at the good clip the entire walk.
2. After a certain amount of time has passed, however, it's okay to say "Hurry up!" and pull on the leash.
3. If your dog doesn't come at that prompt, give him "another 30 seconds" before repeating the command in a strong voice and resuming your walk. This way your first command becomes a "warning" to your dog, and he will learn over time that he then has 30 seconds to relieve himself or the chance has passed.

Step 4: Additional Training

• Once you and Fido have a regular walking routine, you may wish to focus on the finer points of setting pace and walking efficiently. Note it can take weeks or months to train your dog to keep pace with you, so it's crucial to remain patient.

If Your Dog Tries to Pull Ahead

Even well-behaved pups are excitable, so keep an eye out for distractions. (Creative Commons photo by Les Chatfield)

1. It's best to be prepared for what might cause your dog to pull ahead: squirrel, other dogs, pigeons.
2. If your dog gets particularly excited by other dogs, when you see a furry friend coming your way, turn your dog back the way you came and have him sit and wait so he calms down. Then start walking toward the other dog.
3. You may have to keep turning and sitting multiple times, but he'll get the picture eventually.
4. Another option is simply to stop dead in your tracks if your dog pulls away from you. If he turns to see what you're doing, call him back to you, ask him to sit, and give him a treat. Then resume the walk and reward your pup for staying with you by giving her a verbal reward and/or additional treats.
5. You might also want to try tiring out your pup before going on a walk. A game of fetch may release enough energy that he won't pull as much on your walks.
6. If you keep a quick pace, your dog is less likely to be distracted along the walk and may pull away from you less often.

If Your Dog Refuses to Walk

• Some dogs are either shy or otherwise not keen on walking. You'll need to convince your dog that walks are fun by using treats and building his confidence.

1. If your dog is afraid of walking, whether due to interaction with other people or with dogs, be sure to build up his comfort zone by spending more time outside, going for very short walks to build confidence, and using treats to enforce good behavior.
2. Keep treats in hand close enough to your dog's mouth that she can see them, using the treats like a carrot to magically pull him along and walk with you.
3. You can also try stopping yourself when your dog sits or freezes in place. If he takes even one step toward you voluntarily, reward him with a treat. This way he will start to think walking is his idea.
4. Small dogs who wear harnesses instead of collars can be "pulled along" by you for a brief period to get them walking again if they've stopped for no obvious reason mid-walk. A literal pick-me-up can sometimes do the trick!
5. Fearful dogs may be more likely to walk consistently on less busy roads or otherwise more quiet areas. You might also try asking your dog to sit or perform another command he enjoys when he stops walking, which may make distract him from why he stopped walking in the first place.

Additional Troubleshooting

• Guiding your dog on a leash isn't always the "walk in the park" it's cracked up to be. Be patient, and eventually you and your pup will be cruising.

1. Be sure you are consistently monitoring your dog for signs that he's tired or injured—either of which may be slowing him down.
2. Also, if it's extremely hot or cold, you probably want to stay indoors as much as you can. These are not the temperatures to take your dog on a hike or long walk.
3. And if your dog truly doesn't seem like the walking type, keep trying with very short walks and don't fret—there are other forms of exercise in the meantime, like playing fetch, swimming, or running loose in a fenced-in yard or park.

Conclusion

• Walking regularly with your dog is a great source of exercise for him and for you. If you build up to running with your four-legged friends, you'll be burning even more calories, and your pup will be quite sleepy upon your return. Whether you plan to go on short walks with your dog or extended hikes, be sure to think carefully about weather, temperature, and whether you have enough water. Keep your dog on leash in public places and until you know how he'll react to other dogs, children, and small animals, keep that leash firmly in hand.

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Resources

• ASPCA: Leash Training
• Dog Channel: Take Your Dog for a Walk!
• Dog Public: Afraid to Take Walks
• Dog Public: Training a Puppy: Wee Wee Pads or Walks?
• Family Education: Walking the Dog
• HealthyPet.com: Exercising Your Pet
• Iams: Tips for Leash Training Your Dog
• LifeSpy: How to Leash Train Your Puppy (April 16, 2008)
• VideoJug: Dog Behavior and Training

Retail Outlets for Collars and Leashes

• PETCO
• PetSmart
• Amazon.com: Dog Collars
• Amazon.com: Dog Leash

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