So in turn, when you are walking the dog, Loose Leash Walking is very handy to know. Whether they’re running ahead when they are just too wound up or zigzagging all over the sidewalk when sniffing something interesting, every dog has moments with leash walking. See more about Loose Leash Walks below and just keep practicing!
Here are some tips for teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash
1. Start with a properly fitted collar and leash.
Like a heel, loose leash walks are totally very mellow and just, you know, loose! If you’re doing the heel, your dog’s gotta pay attention to you while walking and they’re trying to stay pretty close to the back of your leg. The heel can be quite handy when your dog will get his eyeballs on something that excites the living heck out of him, such as another dog, a bike or stroller whizzing by or a squirrel scurrying away. However, if you want to relax and do not need the full attention of your dog-then the loose leash walking is the way to go. Of course, it’s a super handy skill to have if you think about someone walking your dog while you’re working or keeping an eye on them when you’re away.
Even though it may be so nice and easy, loose leash walking with your dog is actually something that will take quite much time and patience to master; still, the benefits justify the efforts put in. This would not only make your walks more pleasurable but also contribute to an overall improvement in behavior in your dog.
2. Practice in a controlled environment.
You should build their confidence to let them get used enough before doing more interesting walks. Begin with a chill practice setting. Before taking your dog out for a walk, practice loose leash walking in an undisturbed area like a hallway of your home or a private yard. This allows you to really focus on puppy training without getting distracted; it’s also to get him used to training with you.
If you have a new puppy that’s just waiting for its first vaccinations, don’t wait till then to get started on a leash. It’s a good time to practice, whether indoors or in some private outdoor area.
Introduce the rescue slowly to the leash, if they’ve never been walked on a leash before. You may first want to try using a lighter leash that they might wear at home, so they get used to it. Once you start taking them outside and leading them, they’ll feel safer and more prepared.
3. Always use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
When your dog walks on a loose leash, you must take care to praise and give them a treat for acknowledging that something good is happening to them. It will make them feel that anything good is happening and create a strong bond between you as you both work towards being the best.
An overriding concern of overfeeding can be mitigated by cutting the pup’s treats into smaller pieces, or replace the treat bag with a portion of their breakfast. A third option would be a pouch of the favorite pet-space spreadable treat, letting them get a lick for every good behavior.
4. Use a clicker or a specific word to mark the desired behavior.
Remember that repetition is a prime rule. In case you want to reward your dog with praise, go ahead and take a pet clicker or pick a word such as “Yes” or “Good” to mark the behavior. Use the word every time you use it in that same tone and intonation so your dog learns that he or she is doing the right thing when they hear the sound.
The same sound should be repeated throughout all areas of training. It should not be used in other situations around your dog.
5. Stay consistent.
Consistency in dog training is very essential so that your dog understands them. You should not let them pull on the leash one day and correct them the next. Instead, through repetition and consistency, you are more likely to see an improvement in your dog’s behavior and to refrain from having mutual frustration.
6. Patience, Patience, Patience.
Increase the challenge gradually. Maintain patience. Only once your dog is walking on a loose leash in your controlled environment will you be able to start increasing the challenge with more distractions and varying walking environments.
Part of making changes there may be setbacks. This is okay! Be patient, use positive reinforcement, and keep helping your dog feel confident and comfortable.
Remember, you are both learning and training together. If it is new to your dog, then it is new to the two of you learning together.
Loose leash walking is going to take some time and patience, but with consistent training you will soon be loose leash walking pros. Not only will you be enjoying your walks again, but you’ll also strengthen their overall training and behavior as well.