Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash may feel like
you’re a contestant in a tug-of-war contest. But, it doesn’t
have to. If you take a few precautions, use the proper
equipment, and are consistent in your training routine, then
your puppy or dog will be an enjoyment to walk all around.
As far as equipment is concerned, there’s a lot available. One
popular item of yesteryear was the use of a choke collar. This
chained collar, sometimes lined with tiny barbs, was and is a
cruel way to train your animal. It has been proven not to be
an effective training tool. However, a leash attached to a
collar is not cruel. The best leashes are usually made of
leather. These are durable and will last an eternity of wear
and tear. You can use a regular buckle or snap collar, a body
harness or even a chain collar. A chain collar is not a choker
collar and shouldn’t be used like one. A chain collar should
only be used to make a noise (with a snap of the leash) that
will get your puppy’s attention. He will know that the noise
means that he should either heel or sit.
At first, allow the puppy to wear his leash and collar (or
harness) around the house. This way he knows that he does
not have to be scared of it and will also get used to how it
feels. And, he will know that it is supposed to be loose; in
other words, that it is not for pulling. Before you take your
puppy out, let him do this two or three times a day for a few
days. Be sure that your puppy has another chew toy
available, as you don’t want the leash to be associated as a
toy. Make a no play toys rule when it comes to the leash.
Your puppy should also know the sit command. You can
teach it easily with doggy treats. When you put the leash on
your puppy or dog, be sure that he sits and waits until
you’ve snapped it on. He may be excited, but he shouldn’t
move.
It’s best, when walking on the leash with you for the first
time that you don’t practice outdoors. This is primarily
because there are a lot of distractions. It’s best if you can
practice for a few days in a garage or large room.
Once you’ve got an area, make sure that when you walk
with your dog the leash stays loose at all times. Walk with
the puppy or dog and say “heel” in a low, but strong voice.
When walking, the dog’s shoulder blades should be parallel
to your leg. Most owners want their dog to heel on the left
side of their body. If he decides to go ahead of you, abruptly
change or reverse directions so that he will then be behind
you, or on the other end of the leash. With this method, the
leash remains loose, and the dog knows that you are his
guide, and not vice-versa.
Do not drag your puppy or dog back towards you. Correct
him so that he doesn’t pull you. Also, do not yank your
puppy around while training him. You want it to be a fun
and worthwhile experience, a reward and not a punishment.
With each new direction, repeat, “heel”. When you stop, be
sure your dog sits so that it will become habitual when he’s
outside or in public.
This method is proven an effective means of training your
dog. Give yourself plenty of time. It is one of the hardest
things to teach your new puppy or dog. Just know that you
have to have unlimited patience at first. It may take several
weeks. The reward of having a leash-trained dog is well
worth it. Perhaps you can even work to the point where a
leash isn’t necessary in certain places; that the dog will heel
by your side at all times, automatically.
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at
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Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
