No matter if you are bringing home your first dog or the seventh, it is essential that you train them to walk on a leash.
They are little bundles of joy, and you might get tired of playing with them, but they have the energy to play round the clock if you entertain them. While dogs may be human’s best friend, they are not born with the skills to comprehend human language or commands.
So, as their pet parent, it becomes your responsibility to teach them how to walk on the leash properly while being an obedient pet. It is one of the most important dog walking tips anyone can give you.
Every dog that lives with its masters’ must know how to behave and walk on the leash. It will not only make it safe for them to go on out, but it will also make it easier for pet parents to manage their dogs in public.
It will make your daily walks with the dog much easier. However, teaching them to walk on a leash requires a lot of positive reinforcement and patience.
Here are some simple steps to teach your dog to walk on a leash.
1. Establish a Stimulus
A stimulus is a command or a hand signal that tells your dog they did a good job and they have earned a treat. Establishing a marker or a stimulus will not only help you teach them how to walk on a leash, but it will also help teach them many other things.
You can use ‘yes’ or ‘good’ words for positive reinforcements. However, no matter what word or gesture you choose, you must stick to it so that it becomes easy for them to recognize the stimulus.
2. Build a Positive Relationship
Before you go ahead and start teaching them tricks, you must establish a positive relationship with your dog. The best way to do that is by playing with them, showering them with kisses, and feeding them. Besides building a positive relationship with them, you must make them feel comfortable with the leash and other equipment.
Many dogs do not like to wear a leash, so you can slowly start by making them wear a collar.
You can put the collar on while they are engaging in their regular activities, and if they wear the collar without any hindrance, you must mark this positive action by giving them a treat.
Know more: 23 Fun Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy Indoors
3. Move Back Up
Once you have put on the collar and leash on them, start with taking backward steps to prevent them from pulling on the leash. Once they start following you back with the leash, reinforce the behavior with a treat.
4. Practice the ‘Come’ Command
You can teach your dog the ‘come’ command when on the leash. If they are away from you, pull slightly on their leash and say aloud the command. If the dog comes to you, you can reinforce the behavior with treats.
Read: Choosing The Right dog Bowl for Your Pet
5. Practice on the Street
Once you have gained confidence in your dog, you can take the practice outside your home and to the streets. Walk a couple of steps away from them and if they move closer to you, give them the treat to reinforce the behavior.
These are some of the best dog walking tips to train your dog to be more comfortable on the leash; after following these five steps, you just have to keep reinforcing the positive behavior until they start walking beside you without you having to say the command.
