“Get a dog” they said. “It will be great!” they said. Well, why won’t my dog heel? All new doggy owners have felt this plight. You want to go on an afternoon stroll but your dog is mopping the sidewalks with you! Unfortunately, dogs, like children, do not come with pre-programmed manners or etiquette. It takes time and dedication on your part to instill these traits in a dog.
6 Leash Training Tips
Training a dog can be difficult but it can be achieved with patience and understanding. Here are some tips on achieving a leash-trained dog:
1. Choose The Right Leash
There are several types of leashes on the market including flexi-leads, leather, chain, and nylon. The key to leash training a dog is not the material that it is made from but the length. While training you should use a short leash as this gives you the ability to safely and effectively correct your dog on your walk. It also prevents the dog from pulling away from you.
2. Where You Walk Matters
DO NOT walk behind your dog as this gives them the impression that they are in control and the “alpha”. While training you should walk in front of your dog. Your dog’s shoulders should never be in front of your legs.
3. Don’t Rush It
Take your time on walks. The more you work with your dog and correct the undesired behaviors the better your dog will act the next walking trip. Take long walks frequently so that your dog can solidify your expectations of him while walking.
4. Give Rewards
Dogs live for praise and validation of a job well done. Treats are one way to reward them, but another is to give them some free time to explore their surroundings. Use a command to let them know it is okay for them to relax do their own thing for a bit. Make this break fairly brief, then with another command bring them back on task to continue with your structured walk.
5. Patience Is A Virtue
Even after your walk is over continue to exhibit “alpha” behavior by making your dog wait patiently while you put away the leash and other items you brought with you (umbrella, water etc.)
6. Final Reward
After a job well done it is best to reward your dog. The most effective means is food or treat, and a praise, “good” or “nice”.
If you are still finding it hard to have a stress-free walk, you may want to consider contacting a professional or enrolling in dog obedience class. Sometimes the structure of a class can help the owner as much as it can help the dog.
