How To Leash Train Your Dog: A Step by Step Guide 2024

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How To Leash Train Your Dog: Leash training your puppy or dog is something some lucky dog owners will never have to worry about since many dogs take the collar and leash easily.

Unfortunately, that is not the case with most dogs. Most dogs will have a pretty hard time when it comes to walking with a leash and will try to avoid it at all costs. In cases like this leash training will not only make your walks easier and more enjoyable, but it will also teach your dog to be obedient and responsive to your every command.

What is Leash Training?

Leash training for dogs involves teaching a dog to walk calmly and obediently on a leash. This training helps in controlling the dog’s behavior during walks, preventing pulling, jumping, or erratic movements. It includes getting the dog accustomed to wearing a leash, teaching them to walk beside the owner without excessive pulling, and responding to commands. Consistent positive reinforcement, treats, and praise are often used to encourage desired leash behavior. Leash training is crucial for the safety of both the dog and the owner and enhances the overall enjoyment of walks together.

How To Leash Train Your Dog? Can this be done without the help of a professional dog trainer?

The answer is yes, as long as you are patient consistent and follow the 4 steps we recommend. This strategy will work for dogs of any age so whether you have a puppy or have adopted a fully grown dog the process is exactly the same.

Step 1: Find The Correct Equipment

The first step to leash training your dog is actually finding the correct equipment. Picking the right leash and collar is really important since it is what your dog will be wearing for the majority of the time, so make sure you find something comfortable.

We would highly recommend picking a light collar with a simple lightweight leash for your puppy. You can later move on to any leash or collar you want but at first it would be best if you tried out using the lighter equipment we recommend.

You can find the lighter equipment in most pet stores but if you are not sure what to pick or prefer to buy your equipment online look no further than the PetSafe Collar which has quickly become an amazon best seller thanks to its durability, light weight and affordable price. PetSafe also provide one of the best dog leashes you will find with the PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash, which combines durability and light weight at a cheap price.

Step 2: Introduce The Collar And Leash

Once you have purchased the right equipment you should slowly start introducing it to your dog. Other than showing it to them their collar and letting them sniff around to understand that it is not harmful towards them you should also start making them wear it around the house every now and then. This will get them used to wearing a collar and having something attached to them.

Step 3: Practice Inside

Practicing inside your home, a controlled environment without any distractions, is always the best way to start off. You won’t not have much space to move around but this will not be a problem at this stage.

To practice inside you should make a habit of carrying around a bag of tiny chewable treats such as the Milk-Bone dog treats which are one of the most (if not the most) beloved and best-selling dog treats in the market.

Begin the training session by attaching the leash to your dog’s collar and immediately rewarding him with a treat or two. If your dog or puppy gets too excited after putting on the leash and starts spinning around or biting it, try to remain calm and reward it once it settles down. Do not in any case start pulling on the leash or punish it to get it to stop.

Then once the leash is on and your puppy is ready command it to come or use a clicker to get it to come to you. Once it does reward generously with treats. Then move 3 to 4 steps back and repeat the process. Then repeat again but keep on walking at a slow pace. This will eventually lead to you walking side by side with your dog.

Step 4: Practice Outside

Once you can walk around inside your house without any problems then it is time to take your dog outside. Your dog or puppy will definitely lunge at something, try getting into fights with other dogs, chase after cats and much more.

Be prepared and constantly keep your eyes on your dog since it will not be as easy as walking inside the house with no distractions. Once your dog gets distracted firmly call out its name and generously reward it when it comes. If it doesn’t respond, then show it the treat in your hand and start walking until you get it to follow.

By constantly repeating this process you will eventually get your dog to stop barking or going after distractions.

All in all, when it comes to training your dog or puppy you should remember that the most important thing is patience and consistency. Success is not something that comes overnight and since dogs have a short attention span you should keep training sessions short but never miss out on a day. It may take a week or a month but eventually your dog will understand what it is supposed to do.

It is also important to only use positive reinforcement techniques and avoid harsh punishments, violence, or aggressive behavior towards your dog at all costs. This will only traumatize your dog and put a dent in your relationship with it.

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