Dog Training - Successfully Train Your Dog To Walk Appropriately On a Leash
It is important that a dog knows how to walk on a leash without pulling and dragging their owner down the road. Having a dog that does not walk with the owner poses a threat to other people as well as themselves.
Throughout this article you will learn two methods to help you to train your dog to walk with you on a leash. The first thing is to be sure you have control of the situation. If your dog sees the leash and begins acting like a goof trying to go outside, you need to calm him. Do not take him out if he is not acting according to your standards. Once he sits and you are ready to walk outside you need to be prepared for a long walk and a lot of stopping.
The first method is going to require treats and a short leash. Once you get outside show our dog the treat. This should gain his interest. Do not give him the treat, simply say "walk" and begin walking with the treat in your hand at your side so the dog can smell it. Usually the dog will try to lick it and even take it. If he tries move your hand up and say "walk."
Regain his interest with the treat again. Take a few steps and if he stays with you stop and give him the treat. Again, take out another treat and upon beginning to walk give him the command again. This time go a little further before you give him the treat. Once you are able to keep his focus on you and the treat you should walk a little further and only give praise instead of the food reward. Alternate the treat and praise so the dog is unsure of his reward but remains eager to receive the reward. Do not be surprised if your dog is walking on a leash by the end of the day without tugging and pulling.
On the other hand, if our dog begins to tug on you, immediately say "no" and gently tug on the leash. When you have regained control say the command "walk" and continue. It is important that you stop the behavior immediately, otherwise you are giving your dog a mixed message. Do not praise him when he begins walking again. Wait a few minutes before you praise him for being good. If there are a lot of distractions you might have to change the direction of your walk until your dog fully understands what is going on.
Another method is using a long leash and folding it in half. Drape the folded leash in front of the dog so it limit's the stride the dog can take. Every time the dog tries to tug you and drag you around you need to stop moving altogether. Tell your dog "walk" and again attempt to walk with your dog. You can also modify this method and use the treats to gain his full attention. However, with this method as your dog improves you can remove the leash from in front of him and begin walking the right way. If your hard work seems to have gone out the window as soon as you changed the leash, go right back and continue walking the other way. You are the one that decides when the training has been a success, so continue until you feel your dog is walking according to your standards.