Leash Training Your Dog

Of course, we all want our pets to get regular exercise. And the warm days and sunshine are something that you and your pet should enjoy together. Lots of people often struggle with leash training their dog as new pet owners. Here are some tips so that the walk may be enjoyable for you both, and to keep you and your pet safe. Right now, most shelters across the country are having an outstandingly high intake of pets. Starting on-leash training as soon as possible can help prevent a mishap that results in a trip to a shelter.

Starting at home: One of the first steps to successful leash training is starting at home. Work on recall commands with lots of praise and treats at home. “Come” and “here” are both very common recall commands. But it is important to be consistent. If you and your family decide to use “here” as a command, make sure that everyone is always using this command. Switching command words can confuse dogs and make recall training take even longer to accomplish. Practice in the backyard if your yard is fenced. If it isn’t, practice on a long lead line. These can be bought online or at pet stores. It’s important to reinforce good behavior consistently, especially at the beginning of training. A clicker can be a helpful tool because it gives a consistent sound that means “yes you were correct in that action.” Clicker training can be easily researched online, or you can talk to a local dog trainer. Repetition is important! Continue training with your dog, even when he or she seems to have mastered the word.

Collars: Once recall command is mastered, or at least is consistently getting a good response, you can more comfortably start training on-leash walking. The collar is just as important as the leash. Make sure the collar is snug to the dog’s body, but not too tight that you cannot fit two fingers under the collar. A wide collar is better for walks, because when the dog pulls on the leash, the wide collar will not hurt the trachea as a thin collar would. Martingale collars are great for owners who may need to still work on leash commands or with recall. They are usually wide and gentler on the neck, and they are also sturdy and less likely to break. Training collars, for example choker or pinch collars, should only be used under the supervision of a dog trainer. This way they are not used incorrectly. Harnesses are great for keeping your dog secure, but make sure they fit your dog correctly. Also, be aware that there is no pull on your dog’s neck, and is instead all around the chest. They may be even more likely to pull while in a harness. A head halter is also an option.

Leashes: Your leash length should reflect how good your recall is with your dog. If your dog hasn’t mastered their recall command yet, it would be best to not let them be on a leash that extends 10ft or more in front of you. Then, if you need to get to your dog quickly, or have them return to you quickly you can do so since they are closer to your side. Retractable leashes are not recommended. They are too easily snapped, twisted around an object, or in some instances… can take off your finger! Stick to a regular nylon leash with a strong clip on the end. Before purchasing, make sure that the leash feels good in your hand and it’s a leash you can keep a strong hold on.

Heeling: More complicated commands may require a dog training expert, but you can work on a heel command while walking your dog. If you have that clicker trainer, praise your dog whenever they walk by your side. You can use the word “heel” or another command you choose. Again, just be consistent. Reward with treats, if your dog is food motivated, or attention, praise, or even a toy. It’s good to start a heel from a sitting position with the dog, when they first begin to walk by your side. Use the “heel” command and reward when the dog is “heeling.” If pulling is an issue, pulling back your dog is not the best tactic for controlling the behavior. When a dog is doing an unfavorable activity, praising correct actions instead of scolding is a better choice in training. If your dog is pulling towards something you don’t want them to go to, try to get their attention away from what they are focused on. A “look at me” command is often used for this. But you can also try to use treats or a squeaky toy when starting out. Praise them when they break focus. Begin to walk away from the distraction and keep praising when they start to follow you without pulling.

Of course, this is only the beginning and the basics. It’s always best to consult a dog trainer or veterinarian for training advice for your dog. But beginning the basics, especially early, may help in the long run to have fulfilling and relaxing walks with your best friend.

To learn more, check out:

• This National Park Service video on walking your dog
• these tips and tricks for keeping dog training fun from Michigan State University
• Loose leash walking advice from the Veterinary Science Department of the University of California, Davis Campus

From the City's Animal Welfare Committee