Love the Leash

PetSmart

Many people are actually "walked" by their dog - their dog pulls in the direction he wants to go, and you give in or try to resist. Loose leash walking is about teaching your dog to walk where you want to walk - without force. There are two parts to this process.

Teaching your dog to stand nicely without pulling. In order to do this, keep a few bite-sized treats ready. Relax and hold the leash against your body. Reward your dog for being calm and paying attention. If he pulls out to the end of the leash, don't move and don't try to reel him back in. After your dog returns to you, reward him with a treat.

After you've mastered that, it's time to take your first step. First, say your dog's name, then "let's go." If your dog dashes out to the end of the leash, say "stop" and "wait." when he returns to you, start over. Keep in mind that walking is the reward for your dog, and when he doesn't do it properly, the reward stops. This is called a life reward. Every time you go walking, practice this.
 

Comments

13 Mar 2011 2:34 am

henrylab02 said:

Rico has only been in our home a couple weeks now and is about 17 weeks old. He adjusted to wearing the harness just days after coming home. Once we found a collar that fight, he adjusted to it within days. He absolutely hates it when a leash is attached. He goes wild, slinging his head and turning in circles, as if to escape. If anyone was tips on how to successfully train him to walk on a leash PLEASE help me!!! I want him to be leash trained so he can travel with us more. Does anyone have any tips on getting him used to the leash being attached and walking "with" me? Everything I have read is about pulling, he does not pull.