• June 21, 2022

Teach Your Dog To Walk Nicely On A Dog Leash

Walking nicely on a dog leash is not only one of the most important lessons you can teach your dog, it is really not very difficult. Not only does it enhance your relationship with your dog, because your walks together are much more enjoyable, but walking nicely can also prevent damage to his or her throat, caused by the constant pressure of jerking when pulling or running to the end of the leash!

Teaching your dog to walk nicely on a dog leash is fairly simple if you make the effort. Think of your dog's leash as a safety harness instead of a tool to control him or her. It should be slack, hanging loosely in a "U" shape. Make sure you keep slack on the leash so your dog does not get the idea that tension is normal. The most important step is to choose the right dog leash for your dog's safety. You can opt for the strongest retractable dog leash if you walk your dog at night. This will be beneficial for both you and your dog's safety. 

Start with your dog sitting on the side on which you want them to walk. If you walk with your dog on the left side, hold the dog leash in your right hand and pet treats in your left. For walking your dog on the right side, hold the dog leash in your left hand and pet treats in your right. You want the treats on the side you are walking your dog to keep them from crossing over in front of you to get treats.

Say "Let's Go", and take a step forward, starting with the foot on the side your dog is on. Give your dog a treat every few steps at first, as long as the leash is loose. Remember to praise your dog along the way, letting him know he is doing well! Once your dog gets the idea that being close to this incredible treat dispensing machine is rewarding, you can slowly start to increase the number of steps between treats. You will eventually be able to fade the pet treats out entirely.

Despite all your efforts, there are times when your dog will forge ahead to the end of the dog leash and start pulling toward a distraction. There are several positive steps you can take to help prevent this:

* As your dog starts to forge ahead, say "Let's Go", and head in the opposite direction before he or she reaches the end of the leash.

* Lure your dog past the distraction by placing a pet treat right in front of the dog's nose. The more tempting the distraction, the more valuable the pet treat used.

* Become a tree. Just stop and wait for your dog to loosen the tension in the dog leash. As soon as the tension is loose, praise your dog and begin walking again.

Remember, teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash is not only important but may save their life someday! Happy walking!

 

Alisa Saucedo

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