No matter what level of training your dog has, it will most likely be better behaved if you are walking at a brisk pace. When teaching your pup to walk loosely on a leash, here’s what not to do: Don’t practice long term heeling. Dogs like to sniff and explore. Take him to an area without too many distractions — you don’t need other people and dogs (especially loose dogs) in the vicinity right now — and where you can walk in a straight line or in a circle (about 30 feet in diameter). Bring small dog treats with you on the walk and feed them to your dog regularly to reinforce its good behavior, like walking alongside you and not running ahead. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Then reward him with a treat for following you. This promotes a loose leash, which means they will not pull you while walking. Give it exercise with indoor activities instead. If your pup barks: Some dogs have the habit of barking at other dogs while on a walk. Once your dog calms down and looks back at you, reward the positive behavior with praise and a treat. ", http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-training-article-training-your-dog-not-to-pull-on-the-leash.html, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/teaching-your-dog-not-pull-leash, http://www.caninejournal.com/foods-not-to-feed-dog/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Hold the lead in your left hand and treats in your right hand. It’s okay if the dog doesn’t stay in “heel” position. Hold her for about 5 minutes. Have something that you know will be a big distraction for your dog. Once the harness is on, click and treat. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. It is either because he wants to sniff something for a very long time or sees another dog or people and wants to stare at them for a long time (not aggressively). If the dog moves forward, give a sharp quick pull up on the collar with the leash and then release. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The second your puppy turns toward you and/or looks at you, reward him with a treat. If your dog tries to run away by pulling on the leash, stop walking and call its name until it comes back to you. I'm glad you guys are enjoying the video! Walking on a leash with your dog without proper training can be quite a pain. If your pup lunges: If your dog is going after something while on a walk — another dog, a car, a skateboarder, for example, be proactive. Use the treats to lure your dog round to your right-hand side so they are standing, facing the same direction as you. Make sure your dog has had plenty of time to just be a dog. This article was co-authored by David Levin. (You can swap sides if you like but traditionally dogs are walked on the left) The leash will be be in your left hand coiled up so the dog has just a little slack. As soon as the leash goes slack, give them a treat as a reward. What should I do? Praise the dog when it catches up to you, then turn around and resume the walk. Practise different ways of moving the dog by using the food lure. When I try to walk her on a leash with a harness, she will just sit down or lie down. Once your puppy is completely comfortable walking on a leash, you can then teach him how to walk politely on leash. Put the treat on the ground next to your left foot. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Teaching your dog to walk properly on a leash can be a trying experience, but the rewards last a lifetime. By doing that, you will distract him. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. #3: Teach Him to Walk by Your Side . Long, extendable leashes are better suited for playing at the dog park. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. 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