How To Leash Train A Dog | Chewtorials
Does your dog pull you down the street whenever you take them for a walk? You’re not alone—walking on a leash doesn’t come naturally for many dogs. But here’s the good news: With the right training, most dogs can learn to walk politely beside you. We’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about training your dog to walk on leash.
Supplies for Leash Training a Dog
Training treats to use as rewards: https://www.chewy.com/b/training-trea...
A quality 6-foot leash that feels good in your hand (avoid using a retractable leash, which can be confusing for some dogs due to its constant pulling effect): https://www.chewy.com/f/6-foot-dog-le...
Dog poop bags and a poop bag holder: https://www.chewy.com/b/poop-bags-1443
A well-fitted dog harness: https://www.chewy.com/b/harnesses-347
How to Leash Train a Dog: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start in a small, quiet space indoors.
Teach this behavior indoors, in a small, quiet room. It’s much easier to start training dogs to walk on leash when they are in a confined area and aren’t surrounded by exciting distractions.
2. Introduce the harness and leash—with treats!
Put on the harness and clip the dog leash to it. Feed your dog a treat right afterward (it’s a good reminder that hanging out near you is worthwhile).
3. Take a small step in any direction.
It’s time to teach your dog to stay by your side. Take a tiny step, then stop and watch your dog. As soon as your dog takes even a single step in your direction, praise and feed the dog a treat right at their head level, next to your leg. (Feeding that tasty treat at your leg helps your dog learn where you want them to be.)
4. Practice moving in different directions.
When your dog has mastered following you in one direction, it’s time to switch things up. Keep moving around the room in different directions, feeding treats every time your dog follows your lead. For example, if you began by stepping forward, try stepping backward or to the side—all the ways you might move while on a walk. Treat your dog every time they move along with you.
Practice this for around 10-15 minutes per day until your pup consistently follows you.
5. Start feeding treats only on one side.
Once your dog is consistently stepping along with you, pick a side to feed the treat on. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the left side or right—you just need to pick one, and consistently feed on that side only. This makes it easier for your pup to understand where you want them to be, and helps keep them from zigzagging in front of you.
6. Begin to vary how often you feed the treats.
Once your dog is walking nicely with you for a treat after each step, start to vary how often you feed the treats. You might do two steps, then a treat, then four steps, then a treat, then one step, then a treat, and so on. Keep the pattern random! That’ll help keep your dog focused.
7. Find new places to practice.
When your dog has mastered leash walking in a small room, practice dog walking in other areas. A hallway is a great environment to try next, because the narrowness of a hallway helps keep your dog near you as you practice. Go back to feeding one treat per step when you start in a new area, though, since it will be a little harder for your dog. Then gradually reduce the frequency of treats as you did before.
Eventually, you can practice walking in a larger room, walking all around your home and even in your backyard. In each new place, begin with small steps and frequent treats, and gradually work up to larger steps and fewer treats.
8. Take a walk out in the world!
When your dog consistently displays good behavior on at home, it’s time to test their skills in less familiar territory. Leash them up and take a walk around your neighborhood. Just like with the other new environments, use smaller steps and frequent treats until you can work up to a more challenging walk.
Pro tip: If your dog’s behavior starts to fall apart—if they start pulling, zigzagging or wandering away from your side—go back to an easier situation or feed treats more often (or both).
Training dogs to walk on leash opens up a world of possibilities for them (and you). Dogs need practice to master this challenging skill, and by working through the steps above, you’re on your way to relaxing, enjoyable walks for you both. Stay patient, and remember: It’s worth the time and effort. After all, this is a skill that will pay dividends for life!
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