Training a dog on a lead is a very popular topic and something many people struggle with. With any command you give the dog, some will simply listen and follow while others will try to break free of them.
When dog training, it is important to realise that the first few days are not your main concern. The main idea of the first few days is to establish the basic principle of obedience and respect towards you as a pack leader. Eventually this will lead to your dog following any command you give it, particularly during training. The first few commands you should teach your dog are ‘sit’, and ‘heel.’
Training a dog on a lead is an essential part of owning a dog. A well-trained dog can be a joy to have around, but an untrained dog can be frustrating and dangerous.
There are many methods for training dogs, but one of the most effective is positive reinforcement. Dogs love praise, so if you want them to do something, reward them when they do it correctly. This will reinforce the behavior so that they will continue to do it in order to get praise or treats.
If you are trying to train your dog not to nip, then you should give your dog a treat every time they don’t nip at you during training sessions. If you’re trying to teach them how to sit, then give them a treat when they sit down and praise them when they follow through with their commands after getting the treat.
Once your dog understands what you’re trying to teach them, then it’s time to start teaching them how long it takes before they get their treat or praise. This will help them understand how long they need wait before doing anything else like going outside or playing with another person/dog (depending on what type of training session this is).
Once your dog understands what’s expected from him/her during these sessions, then
To train a dog on a lead, you must first understand that dogs are pack animals. They do not like to be alone, and they do not like to be isolated. Because of this, if you want to control your dog, you must be able to establish yourself as the alpha dog.
The first step in training your dog is to get him used to the lead. When he is young and small, it might be easier for him to learn that the lead means fun. You can play with him by gently tugging on the lead while giving treats or petting him. As he gets older and bigger, you can use more force when pulling on the lead—this will help him learn that pulling back on the lead is not acceptable behavior. Once he has learned this basic concept, you can begin teaching him commands such as “sit,” “down,” or “stay.”
If your dog does not obey these commands immediately (and some dogs won’t), then make sure that you reward them with treats for doing what’s asked of them. After their initial success at following orders, increase both the difficulty level of commands given and the amount of time required before receiving rewards for compliance.
Training A Dog On A Lead
Getting your dog to stop pulling on the lead can be a tricky, but our behavioural experts can show you how to take the first steps towards getting your dog to walk nicely on the lead.
Training your dog to walk on a lead or loose lead walking, is essentially training your dog to walk by your side. This is a good exercise to practice to ensure walks with your dog are safe and enjoyable for both of you. It also encourages your dog to give you their attention. It’s best to start loose lead training indoors, away from other distractions.
Lead Walking Equipment
From collars and harnesses to leads, there is a lot to consider when choosing what equipment is best for your dog. By law all dogs must wear a collar and identification tag and for this it’s best to have a flat collar. Collars and harnesses that tighten as your dog pulls are generally not recommended as these can cause discomfort to your dog.
If your dog is strong you may find a harness with a front and back ring is most efficient as these give you more control from your dog’s chest, especially when used with a double clip lead. Head collars can be used on larger dogs, but these must be introduced slowly and positively. Three to four foot leads (training leads) are best to use for teaching your dog to walk with a loose lead. Retractable leads, slip leads, and long lines are not appropriate for this training.
Lead Walking Training
Step one
Hold the lead in your left hand and treats in your right hand. Use the treats to lure your dog round to your right-hand side so they are standing, facing the same direction as you. The lead should be crossing over your body and held loosely with your left hand only. Feed them a treat. This is your starting position. Once they have eaten the treat they may move away, so lure them back to your side again and give them another treat. Feed them again for staying in the same place. If you prefer your dog on your left-hand side, then hold the treats in your left hand and the lead in your right hand.
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Step two
With your dog in the starting positing, let them sniff the treats in your right hand. Once they have done this, raise your hand to your shoulder, give an instruction such as “with me” and take a step forward. Stop and feed your dog a treat for coming with you. Your cue word can be anything such as “let’s go”, “heel” or “close” but which ever word you use, ensure you stick to it.
Step three
Repeat step two, adding in another step before rewarding. If your dog pulls or moves away from your side, simply stand still and lure them back to the starting position. Do not pull the lead to move them, just stand still and lure them back with a treat.
Step four
Practise steps one to three, each time trying to increase the number of steps taken before rewarding. Aim for success and stop and treat while your dog is walking by your side.
Once you’ve mastered this indoors, take your training outside. Consistency is key with loose lead walking so ensure you’re training every single time the lead goes on. When you are starting to train in a distracting environment, be sure to adapt your rate of reinforcement to keep your dog motivated.
Troubleshooting and top tips for lead training
Many factors can affect how well your dog responds to this training. Excitement level, mental stimulation, the weather, your dog’s health, the surroundings, and even your own mood can all contribute.
Simply by asking your dog to sit calmly for their lead to go on and to sit while the door(s) open can bring down their level of excitement and help them to be more receptive to training. Try to avoid exciting them with words such as “walkies” as the calmer they are, the better they will be able to concentrate.
The most important thing is to be consistent with your training. Each time your dog is taken out, you should be reinforcing what they’ve been taught. If pulling on the lead gets your dog the reaction they want, they will keep pulling, so make sure you immediately stand still the moment any tension goes on the lead. To keep yourself steady when your dog pulls, hold your lead hand against your core and use both hands if necessary. Make sure every member of the household is using the same technique as well as anyone else who might take your dog out, including friends or a dog walker.