How convenient it is for pet parents to think that their puppies or dogs innately have learnt to walk with a leash? Unfortunately, adult dogs or puppies do not instinctively start walking with a leash, polite and calm. It takes a lot of effort from them and the pet parents to learn the skill.
Irrespective of your dog’s age, breed and gender, it is exceptionally crucial to teach your dog to walk on a leash. Once learnt, you will realise that all the effort was worth it! Your dog should be able to walk on the roads crowded or not crowded to a nearby shop or the veterinary doctor without clinging on to your leg and giving you a hard time.
Leash manners are one of the most challenging things that you could teach your pet. But, it is fun too and worth the effort. It is a skill that will make your dog do what you wish for without any trouble or irritation. Good leash skills are essential for yours and your dog’s safety when in public.
Below are some leash training tips for your dog.
Table of Contents
1. Pick the Right Collar and Leash
First thing you need to start leash training for your dog from today is a good leash and the right collar? It is obvious to get the right kind of collar and leash for your puppy/dog. But pet parents often overlook it.
A flat collar and a light leash are a perfect combination. You don’t have to go fancy from the beginning.
Looking after the dog’s comfort is also a matter of concern. You can later change it to a more advanced version. But if you are just starting, simply pick a simple looking one that would also be comfortable for the dog.
2. Start at the Right Age
When does a puppy start its leash training? Age does play an enormous role in any tutoring. Puppies are fast learners compared to when they grow a dog. Leash training will be a much easier task when started early. Specialists agree that the age of two months is the right age to start the training.
3. Introduce Them to the Collar
One essential tip of leash training for dogs is to make them familiar with a collar. It is quite natural to have your dogs freaked out by a collar since having something around your collar is not a pleasant experience. To execute it is best to put the collar around your dog’s neck when they are distracted.
It is best to keep the collar around your dogs’ neck for a short time. But don’t forget positive reinforcement. Keep rewarding your dog with treats. Practice makes perfect. So, keep practising until your puppy is used to the collar.
On a side note, ensure that the collar is not too tight.
4. Introduce to the Leash
Once your pup is comfortable with the collar, it is now time for the leash. The whole point of the leash training your dog comes with the leash.
Make sure to attach the leash to the collar and let your puppy run around in the house with the leash. But make sure it doesn’t get entangled into something.
5. Keep the Sessions Short
Since it is just the beginning, you have a puppy who is not leash trained. One essential tip for leash training your dog is to keep the sessions short. Puppies can get tired and bored due to the continuous sessions and might lose interest. It is best to start slow with a shorter duration and increase as they make progress.
6. Encourage Your Dog to Follow You
Another tip for leash training for your dogs is to encourage them to follow.
Your puppy/dog might be used to the collar and leash, but that is not enough. Training your dog can be a resilient part since you have to make them walk beside you with a leash.
Bonus Tips to Leash Train Your Dog
Few things to keep in mind as you teach your dog to walk on a leash:
- Don’t yap, force or pull your puppy to follow you
- Be very gentle by picking the leash and directing the puppy
- The reward is a must, so make sure to have it all the time with you
- Start pacing slowly for dogs to follow
- If your puppy stops and refuses to move, then come towards them, kneel and ask your pet to come to you
Last but not least; practice is the key to perfection.
Do not Encourage Leash Pulling
It is a common mistake committed when the puppy learns leash walking. When dogs enjoy walking outside, they will start pulling you sensing something interesting. It may seem like a joyful thing in the beginning but may evolve into stubbornness.
One of the challenges to overcome while leash training your dog is to not give in to their demands and don’t move when they try pulling or move in the opposite direction. Don’t forget to reward your puppy while they walk calmly beside you.
Deal with Leash Biting
One common problem during leash training for dogs is leash biting. It seems to be a toy for the dogs and start to enjoy it more like a tug of war. If you continue to let this happen, it means you are encouraging your puppy. Redirect them by giving them chewy toys and reward your puppy (a must).
Sometimes they can also bite on it out of frustration. It might be because of the quick steps and that the puppy might need time to get used to the lead.
Conclusion
Dogs need to learn new skills that can make their lives easier every passing day. Each quality has need and place. Neither of you would prefer life to be tough and filled with obstacles. Leash training is one such thing. The aforementioned steps and tips for leash training for dogs will help you start leash training from today.
Adopt dogs and fill your life with joy.
