Leash Training: How To Properly Use A Leash To Train Your Dog

Are you considering leash training your dog? If so you want to do it the right way to avoid any unnecessary problems...

Recently we added a female puppy to our family. We have an adult dog also. I forgot how much work it is to train a puppy. This Labrador retriever is 9 weeks old and very smart. She has learned her name and she sits on command. We have decided it is time to get started with her leash training.

This is an area that causes many people grief. They expect to put a leash on a puppy the first time and have them follow. This is most likely not going to happen. To begin leash training it is helpful if you can get the puppy used to the feel of the leash. To do this attach the leash to the puppy's collar and let them drag it around the yard. If the puppy has been restrained for a period of time let them get rid of some pent up energy prior to starting the first lesson on leash training.

Once the puppy has pulled the leash behind them for a while pick up the end and gently tug on the leash. It is very important that if you are using a choke collar that it is not in choke mode. Once you have the leash in hand let the puppy get used to the idea that you are connected. Make the leash training fun by running with the puppy and saying its name often. Then take the leash off the puppy and put it away.

The next day repeat what you did the day before but for a longer period of time. Try taking a few steps to see if the puppy will follow. Praise them if they do and gently tug on the leash if they do not. It is important that you are gentle with the tugs at the beginning of leash training so the puppy does not become afraid of the leash. The goal is for the puppy to associate the leash with going for walks and spending time with you.

Each puppy is different, but most will respond well to leash training in a matter of days. During the course of leash training you will also want to incorporate the verbal commands that accompany walking a dog such as come, sit and heel. Once the puppy is responding to basic leash training you can work on getting them to walk on heel. Many people do not complete this step in leash training. They are the people that you see being pulled down the sidewalk by their dogs. This is not a comfortable or fun way to walk a dog. The two of you are fighting against each other in this situation. The dog is hurting its neck and your arm is being stretched. The leash training needs to include walking on heel.

More Information and Resources

Learn about Dog Obedience

Does You Dog Nedd An Anti Bark Collar?

5 Easy Steps to Leash Train Your Dog

More Leash Training Tips

Using a Leash to Obedience Train Your Dog

Is your dog still running ahead of you?

Getting your dog to walk on a loose leash is not hard to do. Sometimes your dog--especially if he's a young or adolescent dog--will still want to walk or run slightly in front of you. He's not pulling on the leash, he's just not walking along side you in the heel position.

The heel position means that his right leg is aligned with your left leg, and his toes and your toes line up when you stop. Many puppies don't initially understand the concept of staying parallel to you in that heel position.

Here's how to fix it:

1. Take one small step forward.  Only one.  If he doesn't take just one small step forward as well, tug backward with the leash, until he takes a step backward and is parallel to you.
   
2. Now take one more small step forward. Do the same thing. Continue this for about 50 steps, and you'll see your dog begin to make eye contact...really watching you...and only take one step forward.
   
3. Now take two small steps forward, and stop. Repeat this about 50 times as well. Then three steps.
   
4. Practice this, and remember to praise him whenever your dog gets it right.

Pretty soon, it'll "click" for your dog, and you and your puppy will stroll.