Mary Allen
Do you like to be out and about with your dog and use the walks to relax? Do you prefer to let your dog run free because he pulls on the leash? The good thing is that there is another way. Being on a leash can be learned with consistent training. It is above all a question of practice because dogs usually do not naturally adapt to our pace and path. They often want to walk or trot faster. Or they stop and immerse themselves in their world of smells. So it needs the human so that the dog understands which behavior is desired.
Here we will give you a few tips to help you train your dog to walk on the leash and teach him to walk loosely on the leash.
Tip 1
Leashing the dog should always be positively documented. Make the leash (regardless of whether starting at home or on the go) pleasant and combine it with an open posture, calm stroking, and/or treats. So it’s nice to be around you. Putting the dog on a leash should not be unpopular for either humans or dogs, but demonstrates your close togetherness.
Tip 2
Being close to you can be seen as a special area of protection. This means that you stand in front of your dog in distraction situations or you lead your dog past on the opposite side. If your dog is on a leash with you, then very pushy people who are too much for your four-legged friend and other (especially loose) dogs should be kept away. This will increase your dog’s trust in you.
Tip 3
If you want your dog to focus, then he needs the necessary rest to do so. In the beginning, the distraction should not be too high. In the beginning, you can even practice a few times in the garden or yard. Then the training continues in the less frequented field/forest and only later with other dogs nearby or in the city.
Temporarily, your dog can be led by the harness in difficult situations where it does not yet work, and the “pull” command allows him to temporarily lead the way.
Tip 4
Lead on a leash: loose leash
The leash – a sign of solidarity – should always be loose.
Dogs primarily read our demeanor, mood, and body language. Above all, they pay attention to the inner attitude and mental stability. So first put your focus on yourself and observe yourself to see whether you have the necessary inner composure to lead your dog confidently. After he has managed to get loose, start by telling him which side to go on. Then walk at a leisurely pace with your dog, who is on a leash. We recommend an upright posture and a stepping gait, avoiding any rush. The line is so long that it can sag. Keep your hands close to your body to avoid unnecessary movement and waving. At first, this may seem unfamiliar and irritating, but it is a wonderful way to center yourself.
Tip 5
As soon as your dog overtakes you, turn around in the opposite direction. This will let your dog know that he should pay attention to where you are going. The change of direction can be carried out quite quickly, the basic speed itself remains slow and relaxed.
After a change of direction, your dog will catch up with you again. Then you next go a change of direction, which you execute towards the dog. You cut off his path and then go straight on for as long as you like. If your dog is walking on the right side, start the right turn with your left leg. If you prefer your dog to be on the left side, start the turn with your right leg. This allows your dog to recognize in advance that you are initiating a change of direction. This practice slows down brisk dogs and increases focus on the owner.
Tip 6
By using your body language, your dog will learn to observe you more closely and, after a few changes of direction, will increasingly orient itself towards you. Your job now is to watch him out of the corner of your eye when he’s focused. At the appropriate moments, please address him in a friendly and praising manner so that he knows that he is doing a good job. Treats and stroking often create restlessness in these moments. Or it causes the dog to hurry again. The voice can be dosed so that it fits the situation perfectly.
Tip 7
Once you’re comfortable walking your dog on quiet walks, it’s time to practice with more distraction. Extras who know about the topic and with whom training situations can be coordinated are helpful. For example, it makes sense to practice encounters with walkers, jogging people, and dog encounters. It’s best to have your dog on the opposite side with you and be between the distraction and him. This shows him that you are responsible and gives him security. Whoever is in front of or closer to the distraction is responsible and makes decisions.
Tip 8
Sometimes the leash will be better, sometimes it will be more difficult. Please be patient with yourself and your dog. Treat yourself to regular relaxation breaks in between, where you sit down and cuddle. Or build a game in between and run and fool around with each other. The more fun you have together, the more your four-legged friend will want to be with you. The distance that you walk with a loose leash does not have to belong at first. It’s about quality, not quantity. You can be satisfied with small improvements in leash handling.