Training Your Dog on the Leash

Training your dog to walk on a leash is essential for ensuring good manners. It isn't just about control and convenience; it's a pathway to a stronger bond and a happier, well-adjusted canine companion.

However, some dog owners face trouble teaching their dogs to walk beside them. The most common issues are pulling the leash, wrapping yourself in the leash by walking in circles, and playing with the leash like it’s a toy. Does any of this ring a bell?

Our ultimate guide is here to help. We'll explore the art of leash training, showing the benefits it brings you and your furry friend.

When to Start Leash Training a Puppy?

Training a puppy to walk on a leash shouldn’t happen sooner than 8 months of age. This is the age threshold when we recommend training a pup any simple command, including walking on the leash. However, ensure your dog receives the needed vaccines, as you’ll be spending time outside, exposing your young puppy to viruses and bacteria. 

It’s generally a good idea to start early because walking beside you is a helpful tool in keeping your pup safe and preventing unwanted behaviors. Remember to keep the training sessions short and engaging and make the training calm so as not to stress out your dog.

First Steps to Walking Nicely on the Leash

Getting used to equipment

It may sound unnecessary, but getting your dog used to equipment is a big deal for their safety and behavior. Whether you’ve got a new puppy, adopted a dog from a shelter, or have a grown-up pooch that misbehaves while walking, the first step to fix this behavior is to let them know that wearing a collar (or harness) with a leash means something good for them.

How can you do that?

Step 1

Start small. Introduce the collar or a harness and leash. Let your dog smell it to make sure it’s safe.

Before outfitting your dog, place the equipment on the ground and scatter a few treats nearby to encourage your dog to approach and associate it with something positive.

Step 2

Start putting the equipment on. Stay calm and patient. Keep praising and petting your pooch if they behave well. Don’t use physical force, and don’t get angry if your dog gets excited or restless. You can repeat the process until your dog is completely calm and later give them a treat for good behavior.

If your dog gets over-excited, wait for them to regain their composure. Once they've calmed down, encourage positive behavior by asking them to sit before attaching the harness, rewarding your pup if they comply.

If your furry buddy is trying to remove or chew on the harness/leash, try to distract them with food or play. And don't worry if you see your pup scratching their neck. They need time to get used to it.

Step 3

Ease your dog into the experience by letting them roam indoors while wearing the equipment.

Offer praise and treats for calm behavior with the leash on, and consider incorporating short play sessions. Always ensure that the harness or collar is comfortable for your furry friend, allowing them to move freely without any discomfort or pressure.

Teaching your dog the marker cue

The marker cue shows a dog that they’re doing the right thing. It can be either the clicker sound or a “Yes.” Teaching this to your dog is simple yet handy in further training.

Begin training in a quiet, low-distraction setting, holding some treats in your hand (and a clicker, if you like). You can start with a leash to help your dog stay focused on you. When your dog makes eye contact, click or say “Yes” as a marker word, and reward them with a treat. Repeat this process multiple times. Prioritize these practice sessions before embarking on leash training or teaching additional commands to strengthen your dog's attentiveness.

Train your pup to come when called

The next step is to establish a reliable recall with your dog. Begin training in a calm, low-distraction setting, such as your home. Use a marker word and reward each time your dog comes to you.

Then, introduce the verbal cue "Come" and reward your dog when they respond by returning to you. As you and your dog gain confidence with this command, gradually add distraction.

Start practicing in your yard, then move to a quiet park, and gradually expose your dog to more stimulating environments. For detailed instructions on mastering the "Come" command, go to the Woofz app.

Take it outside

Even if your dog walks like an angel on the leash indoors or in serene outdoor settings, all bets are off when they catch sight of another dog they want to greet or a captivating scent in the distance. You must be ready for these situations.

Some handy tips and tricks to help your dog maintain their focus on you:

1. Positive reinforcement

At the beginning, make sure to mark (“Yes” or click) and reward each time your pet gives you a look or comes to you.

This will reinforce that focusing on you is something pleasant for them, so they’ll start doing it more often, thus preventing pulling. Don’t forget to mark and reward your pooch when they’re walking nicely on the leash!

As time goes on, you can gradually reduce the frequency of rewards and vary the number of treats you offer, making each treat a delightful surprise that keeps your dog eagerly anticipating it.

2. Gradually add distractions

Although a new place might seem dull to you, it's a sensory wonderland for your furry friend. All the unfamiliar smells, sounds, and sights can be incredibly stimulating for them! To set your dog up for success, consider starting their loose-leash training in a low-distraction environment initially and gradually progress as their confidence grows.

Resolving Leash Training Issues

The key to successful leash training lies in consistency. You have to reinforce your dog for good behavior, gradually add stimuli, and stop or change direction whenever they pull on the leash. While it may sound simple, in practice, it can be quite challenging.

That's why one of our experienced dog trainers has a valuable tip to share:

It will help you continue your training while maintaining consistency and clarity for your furry buddy. Now, let’s move on to more life hacks on how you can fix pulling and make your walk even more enjoyable:

The “Name” game

Whenever your dog sees something or starts to pull, simply say their name and use a noise, such as whistling, to get them to look at you (if nothing happens, you can give them a light tug on the leash and try to get further away from the stimulus). When they look directly at you, say “Yes” and reward them with a treat.

Keep this behavior going every couple of steps, and when ready, start to expand how long you use the "Name Game" with various stimuli: cars, kids, other people, other dogs, etc.

You’ll soon see that your dog isn’t pulling anymore, and they keep checking up on you to know where you’re going and listening to you in case you say their name and allow them to get a reward.

The “Cliff”

This exercise "explains" to the dog: if you rush somewhere, we won’t follow you. If you stay calm, we’ll move on. Whenever your pooch starts pulling, you need to stop and wait for their attention, and only then start moving on.

Most likely, your dog will keep rushing forward at the beginning, and it may seem frustrating. Stay consistent and don’t give up; soon, your dog will understand that pulling isn’t going to get them anywhere. They need to stay calm and focused instead.

Directional changes

Another anti-pulling exercise is "directional changes." Whenever your pooch starts tugging on the leash, simply change your walking direction.

This helps them recognize your movements and encourages them to stay beside you. With some practice, your dog will catch on that pulling doesn't lead to the adventure they're after, making walks more enjoyable for both of you.

If you like the exercises above and would like more similar anti-pulling life hacks and exercises for loose-leash training, download the Woofz app. There, you’ll find a personalized training plan that will help you resolve your current doggy-related issues and foster a harmonious partnership.

How to Train an Adult Dog to Walk on a Leash?

If you own a senior dog who can’t walk calmly on a leash or who pulls it all the time, you may wonder how to leash train a dog who is set in their ways or if it’s even possible. The good news is that even though it’s more challenging, patience and consistency work miracles. 

However, you should be careful if your dog has chronic health issues and consult a vet before starting the training sessions.

Here’s how to leash train an adult dog:

Step 1

Introduce your dog to a collar and a leash. Allow them to sniff the objects and stay calm when wearing the collar and leash. Use a loose collar and short leash. You can clip and unclip a leash several times to help your dog get used to the sound.

Step 2

Practice walking together. Remain calm and stroll to reduce the dog’s anxiety. For the same reason, start practicing in your yard with fewer distractions.

Step 3

Guide your dog to walk beside you using treats. At this stage, your dog may start pulling the leash. If you experience leash pulling, don't pull back. Stand still instead, or command your dog to sit down and pause briefly.

Step 4

Gradually increase the duration of your walks and introduce your dog to new places. Staying patient and not force walking with a leash on your adult dog is essential. Allow them to adjust and repeat the training sessions regularly. 

Step 5

Use positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to walk calmly. Praise the dog for walking beside you and reward the dog with treats. As your dog gets better with walking on the leash, you can start fading the lure and offer the dog fewer treats each time you train.

Bonus: Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash Without Tugging

Many dog owners face a common issue when training their dogs to walk beside them: leash tugging. It brings discomfort not only for the owner but for the dog, too. So, let’s discuss in detail how to train your dog to walk on a leash without tugging.

Tips on how to prevent a dog from pulling on the leash:

1. Reward your dog when they walk on a leash nicely.

2. Stop walking when the dog starts pulling, releasing the tension.

3. Walk at the right pace to keep your dog moving.

4. Keep the training sessions short to help your dog stay focused.

5. Interact with your dog during your walks, and offer some games to make them follow your lead better.

6. Keep the dog focused on you and avoid getting distracted; you can use a hand target or the sit command if you suspect the dog might start chasing something.

Wrap Up

Loose-leash training is one of the hardest behaviors to teach, as it demands dedication and consistency, which can be challenging to maintain. However, if you commit to this process and follow all the tips above, you'll not only enjoy stress-free walks but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.