How to Train A Dog to Walk on A Leash? (5 most useful tips)

If you find yourself at your wit’s end about this, don’t give up. You can finally get your dog to walk on a leash after reading this article. It’s natural for your dog to want to take her own way. There’s just so many distractions and dogs don’t see the world like us.

For them, a bird sitting on top of a bench is probably more interesting than you. But if there’s good, there’s also bad, right? Your dog may not know how and when to cross a busy street bustling with cars. You’re responsible for their well-being.

Enter the best training method to get your dog to walk on a leash. As you explore your dog’s natural instinct to smell the plants, pavement, and people around her. You have to make sure she’s safe and happy.

How to Train Your Dog to Walk on A Leash

It’s not true that getting your dog to walk on a leash is difficult. It’s easier than most people think. And it doesn’t have to be impolite either.

You only have to step out into the street to know how badly your untrained dog could get injured. By stepping out on the road, crashing into chairs or stalls, or getting hit by a cycle on the way.

It’s a skill that needs time and effort in training. This is what all dog training experts swear by. How to train your dog to walk on a leash with the help of these tips.

1. Introducing a Reward

In other words, this means teaching your dog a cue. For example, you let your dog practice a skill and there’s a treat waiting for her afterward.

But you have to do this very slowly.

Start off by getting your dog used to wearing a collar or body harness. If she seems irritated by it at first, distract her with a reward. This could be a treat, a game, or a toy.

However, don’t just hand her a toy or treat after being calm. You can use a clicker or make a sharp sound. Like a sound that would make your dog look at you. Once she does that, then you can give her a treat.

Associate that same sound to rewarding her when it’s the right time. So this develops a habit to avoid common dog behaviour problems.

Habit is always a good choice for training. Keep rewarding her every step. And in no time, you’ll know how to train a dog to walk on a leash.

2. Let Her Come to You

Dogs are creatures of habit, no doubt. But some are also very, very stubborn. And giving into that stubbornness is the worst thing you can do while training. Once your dog understands the concept of rewards, let her come to you.

Whether you’re calling her with the clicker or a special sound. Make sure she’s coming to you with her leash or collar on. So as to get used to wearing it and not being bothered by it.

If you go to her, you’re giving in. And this mistake can cause her to steer you on your walks. And not the other way around. It’s a common mistake and can happen to anyone. But it’s for the better if you stay away from it.

3. Practicing Indoors

In other words, eliminate distractions. Always train your dog in a quiet and calm environment. It’s enough of a challenge for your dog to walk around in a leash for the first few times. It’s new territory. And if you choose to do it outdoors, it can be mentally disturbing for them.

Allow your dog to adapt to the new change at home. Find where she’s most comfortable, calm, and stress-free. A positive training environment is just as important as a positive trainer. So make sure you keep calm and patiently allow your dog to get used to the leash.

4. Walking Outside

The first days are always tough, am I right? Once your dog gets used to walking on a leash inside the house. Taking her outside is the only way to do it right. Start by walking her around your neighborhood.

She’s getting used to smelling the different smells. She might even get scared of the car noises or the people walking past all around her. This is the perfect time to whip out a rewarding habit. Make sure your dog focuses only on you and your voice.

Give her a treat every now and then to keep her happy and engaged. If she passes by a loud café or doesn’t sniff a dirty rag on the side of the pavement, give her a treat. She should walk alongside you on a leash and not pull you in all directions.

Don’t wrestle if they do. Just stand in one place and wait for her to stop tugging. She will come back to you eventually. All thanks to the first step of how to train a dog to walk on a leash.

5. Never Encourage Pulling

If you think it’s okay, it’s not! If your dog is walking a few steps ahead of you, pulling you in every direction, it’s a bad habit. You should be walking at least a step ahead of the dog. Or even beside her, if you like it.

Pulling can lead to over-aggression or uncontrolled excitement. And it also leaves your dog to injuries or accidents. Because it’s harder to protect or shield her when she’s not within your reach.

Don’t reward her for pulling you everywhere. Make sure she listens to you and comes back to you every time you call her. Let her do this a few more times until it becomes a habit. The best way to get your dog to walk on a leash is practice and consistency.

It can do wonders if you decide not to yell at your dog. If your dog makes a mistake or is disobedient, it’s not due to your dog’s lack of understanding. It’s on you and your training skills as a responsible pet parent. So be patient and compassionate when training your dog to walk on a leash.

Conclusion

See how easy it is to learn how to train a dog to walk on a leash. Teaching her how to walk by your side and never pulling can make both of you happy. Walking is essential for dogs. It ensures better sleep, fewer health problems, and overall well-being.

If your dog is too restless or has a difficult time getting and staying asleep. Train her on how to walk calmly and obediently on a leash and exercise her body and mind outdoors. It’s seriously the best thing you can do for your dog.