One of the most crucial things you can do as a pet parent is to take your dog for a walk. It’s easy to learn how to train your puppy to walk on a leash.
How to Train Your Puppy to Walk On A Leash
Do you recall your dog’s first walk? The majority of the trip was undoubtedly spent wondering if Fido would return home with all of his limbs attached.
And we’re not talking about having to follow him around the block a few times before he came back smiling at you or getting stuck in a ditch.
One of the most crucial things you can do as a new pet owner is to take your dog for a walk. After all, keeping your dog healthy and content depends on your ability to rely on him to respond to your calls and to remain in a secure location.
Any dog owner needs a leash and collar as a basic set of equipment. Having control over your dog while they explore their environment is made possible with a leash. How to teach your dog to walk on a leash is provided below.
What Is the Secret to Leash Training?
It takes time and repetition to successfully complete the multiple steps of leash training. Even though you might want to attach your dog’s collar and leash the first time you take them outside, this is not the best course of action.
Start acclimating your dog to their collar and leash inside the house instead. They will become more at ease when it comes time to explore the outdoors thanks to this practice with the equipment.
Selecting the proper location is another important aspect of teaching your dog to walk on a leash. Your pet will learn to walk on a leash without feeling overwhelmed if you choose a quiet area where you can easily set up a stop-and-start routine.
Make The Walking On The Leash Process Fun
We understand what you’re thinking. “Should I walk my dog? Fun?” But if you go about it the proper way, it really can be. Invite your dog to join you on an indoor walk after they are comfortable using the collar and leash.
Introducing your dog to the leash and collar in this way will help them feel more comfortable when you take them outside. Once that’s done, consider include one or two games in the stroll.
Search for a place where you can kick a ball around. This is a terrific opportunity for your dog to practice chasing and retrieving while also getting some exercise. Your dog will be more receptive to a leash if you can make it fun for it.
Alternately, reward your dog for responding to your call. This can be a really effective method for training your dog to respond to your calls.
Begin With A Lightweight Leash
You can start taking your dog outside if he or she is accustomed to the collar and leash. Choosing a leash that is suitable for your dog should be your first step.
Depending on the breed, size, and age, you’ll need a leash that isn’t more than 6 feet long and is lightweight. This will let you keep an eye on your dog while they explore their surroundings.
When choosing a leash, it’s a good idea to picture your dog wearing their collar while using the leash. The leash should be secure but not overly so. Your dog should also feel comfortable wearing the leash, so make sure it is.
Using Food To Encourage Good Behavior
When your dog is comfortable with the leash and collar, you may start preparing them for an outdoor walk. Your dog ought to be able to walk on a leash by this point.
Depending on the orders you’ve given them, they should be able to comply with commands like “heel” or “come when called”. If not, now is a wonderful opportunity to start working on them.
When your dog has mastered the leash walking technique, you may start rewarding them with their preferred goodie. This will make the procedure much simpler by enabling children to link their positive behavior with food.
Reward Your Dog When They Come When Called
You can start rewarding your dog for doing well if they know how to come when called. Have a favorite toy that your dog enjoys playing with.
Give them the toy as soon as they arrive when you call them. This will enable them to connect answering your call with a reward. Make sure the reward is constant and given right away. Your dog won’t associate coming when called with their toy if you wait too long.
Conclusion – How to Train Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash
It is important for every dog owner to learn how to teach their dog to walk on a leash. It not only gives you and your dog a fantastic form of exercise, but it also teaches you both how to communicate and keep each other safe on the sidewalk.
There is no particular period of time when you should start taking your dog on walks. Before taking your dog outside, it’s crucial to make sure they are at ease wearing the collar and leash inside the house. Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that some dogs learn faster than others. This is not an indication of poor IQ, but rather of other factors like personality traits or distractions.
Don’t lose patience if it takes your dog some time to adjust to going for walks outside with you. They will succeed given enough time and persistence.
