How to teach your dog to walk on a leash

Here are some steps that can help you teach your dog to walk on a leash

1. To begin with, it is important to accustom your little four-legged friend to using a collar or harness, as well as a leash. Allow him to wear them for short periods while you are at home, creating playtime and giving him delicious snacks. For the four-legged friend, these moments with a collar and leash will become synonymous with fun and tasty rewards.

2. Use rewards to encourage desired behavior. Insert a specific sound signal to announce the arrival of a reward. Whether you choose to use a specific sound or an affirmative word, the principle remains the same. In a quiet environment free of distractions, with the puppy on a leash and collar, emit the chosen signal. The moment your four-legged friend pays attention to you or looks at you, immediately give him a reward. After a few such repetitions, you will notice that the quadruped will not only pay attention to you, but will also come to you eagerly waiting for the promised treat.

3. Once you learn the specific reward signal, encourage your puppy to come closer to you. As he walks towards you with the collar and leash, take a few steps back and once he reaches you, give him a treat. Advance gradually until your quadruped, at the sound signal, comes towards you and follows you.

4. Begin the actual workout in a quiet environment, in an area with minimal distractions, such as the backyard or a quiet room. Of course, it’s equally important to start with short sessions, encouraging your dog to walk alongside you. Use the appropriate signal to attract the dog’s attention and reward him when he stays close to you.

5. Once your dog is already accustomed to these exercises in a controlled environment, venture outside. This transition will bring new challenges because all the new sounds, smells and sights will be extremely interesting to him. Be patient and keep the first few walks short. During the walk, if you notice that your four-legged friend seems ready to throw himself against something or is about to get distracted (you will notice this by paying attention to his behavior), use the appropriate signal and take a few steps back. Then reward him with a snack for following you.

6. Manages quadrupedal reactions. If the dog starts to pull in another direction, stop and don’t move until he relaxes and reorients himself towards you. This will teach him that pulling won’t get him anywhere. Avoid suddenly pulling on the leash and forcing him to walk alongside you. Front handle harnesses are effective training alternatives, designed specifically for dogs who tend to pull.

7. Be consistent in training and use the same commands and rewards. This will help the dog understand what is expected of him.

8. Last but not least, be patient and understanding. Training can take time and progress is not always linear. It’s also important to remember that puppies have a limited attention span, so keep training sessions short and sweet, ending them when your puppy is still excited and wanting to do more, not when he starts to feel tired or overwhelmed.

Leash training is a process that takes time, patience and understanding. By following these tips and considering training as an opportunity to strengthen your bond, you will be able to enjoy pleasant and relaxing walks with your four-legged friend.