How to Leash Train a Dog - 5 Essential Tips

Walking on a leash may not come as naturally to dogs as you think. Training your dog how to walk on a leash is essential for keeping them safe and giving them the necessary skills to go to all kinds of places with you. Training and learning new tasks together is a great way to bond with your dog and lay the foundation for future training success.

Why You Should Leash Train Your Dog

Leash training your dog is important for safety and following leash laws, but it’s also a major benefit to your dog. It allows them to do activities they otherwise wouldn’t be able to off leash, allowing them to experience even more of life. Leash training your dog gives them mental stimulation with a new skill to learn and practice.

Proper leash training lets your dog enjoy outdoor public places like city and state parks, hiking trails, and beaches. Being able to walk or run on a leash also gives your dog the chance to exercise with you during your daily activities without constant leash pulling.

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5 Tips on How To Leash Train a Dog

Leash training your dog will make sure they’re ready to safely go wherever you go, and wherever dogs are allowed but have to be leashed. Here’s how to leash train your dog and make sure they’re ready for any leash outing. 

1. Understand The Basics of Dog Training

When it comes to the basics of dog training, there are a few golden rules to keep in mind. Using positivity and well as positive reinforcement is essential for success. Keep training sessions short, sweet, and upbeat to prevent your dog from being overstimulated or getting overtired. You don’t want them to associate negative feelings with the new task you’re working to train them to do. Finally, make sure you keep in mind that you and your dog love each other and he or she is probably doing they’re very best, so be patient while they’re learning. 

2. Leash Training Supplies

To start leash training your dog, make sure you have the right supplies ready to go. First, you’ll need a sturdy leash that will serve as the tether between you and your dog. Attaching the leash to a harness is best for beginning leash training since it fits around your dog’s body and shoulders instead of pulling on their neck. Once they have more experience with leash training, you can see if attaching the leash to their collar will work for both of you.

3. Start Off in a Controlled Environment

Your first few leash training sessions should be in a controlled environment free from distractions. Trying to train a new task in a place like a park or on a walk down the street can present challenges if passing people, cars, or other dogs interrupt your dog’s focus on you and on the task at hand.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

The most effective tool in dog training is positive reinforcement. This means using an incentive or reward to encourage the behavior or task you want your dog to perform. Showing your dog how to do a task, reinforcing the behavior, and giving praise when they carry out the task is the basic formula for training your dog to do just about anything, including leash training.

5. Take Breaks if Necessary

Don’t be afraid to take a break if you and your dog have been at it for a while and it’s simply just not working right then and there. Sometimes it’s just not the right moment or the right mood to learn something new, and that’s ok. Be consistent, but give your dog and yourself a break by coming back to practicing leash training another day.

Leash Training Challenges

With any new task always comes a learning curve, and the same is true when leash training a dog. Some of the behavior challenges you might encounter while leash training include pulling, biting the leash, or distractions. To teach your dog not to pull, don’t move when they pull on the leash. If your dog learns that pulling doesn’t let them move forward, they’ll learn to leave slack on the leash before they can go. If your dog is biting the leash make sure not to tug it back since this could be misinterpreted as a fun game of tug of war. Finally, if your dog is becoming distracted during leash training, change the environment to eliminate potential distractions.

When to Start Leash Training

Most dogs can begin learning simple commands around eight weeks old. Depending on their readiness and personality, you can likely begin leash training around this time too. Training your dog on some of the basic dog commands like sit, stay, come, and heel first can be hugely helpful in successful leash training. 

How Long Does it Take To Leash Train a Dog?

Starting early is the best way to leash-train your dog successfully and quickly. Most puppies can learn the basics of leash training in one to two months. This might sound like a long time, but leash training sessions should be kept only around five to ten minutes and spaced out to give your dog a break. Older dogs may even take a little bit longer, but rest assured with consistency, patience, and the right resources your dog will be leash-trained in no time. 

Learn How to Leash Train Your Dog with Pettable Academy

Pettable Academy’s online dog training programs are a great way to leash train your dog at home with the guidance of professionals. We work with expert, certified dog trainers to create informative online lessons designed to give you the tools to complete successful training with your dog in a distraction-free environment. Access Pettable’s leash training courses online to start your dog on the path to success!