One of the most fundamental skills every dog owner should teach their furry friend is how to walk nicely on a leash. This skill not only ensures the safety of both the dog and the handler but also makes for enjoyable walks without excessive pulling or distractions.
Understanding the Basics of Leash Training
Before diving into the specific steps of leash training, it’s essential to understand the foundational principles. Seeking guidance from professionals who specialize in dog training in Melbourne can be particularly beneficial, as they can provide tailored advice and techniques that are effective for your unique situation and your dog’s specific needs. First, remember that patience is key. Just as humans need time to learn new skills, puppies require consistent and gentle guidance to understand what’s expected of them.
Secondly, positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of effective dog training. When your puppy behaves the way you want, reward them with treats, praise, or play. This way, they’ll associate the desired behavior with positive outcomes.
Introducing the Collar and Leash
Before taking those first steps outdoors, your puppy must get comfortable wearing a collar and leash. Begin by letting your puppy wear a collar around the house. It might feel foreign to them initially, so distract them with play or treats to make the experience positive.
Once your puppy seems comfortable with the collar, attach a lightweight leash. Let them drag it around the house under supervision, allowing them to get used to the sensation.
Teaching the Basics: The Standstill Technique
Begin indoors or in a low-distraction environment. With your puppy on the leash, stand still. The idea is to teach your puppy to focus on you and not pull on the leash. When your puppy turns to look at you or comes towards you without pulling, reward them. If they pull, stand still and wait for them to come back or give slack on the leash.
By doing this, your puppy will start understanding that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere.
The Art of Luring
Using treats, you can lure your puppy to walk by your side. Hold a treat in the hand closest to your dog and let them sniff it. Start walking, encouraging them to follow the treat as you move. Every few steps, reward them for staying by your side. This method can be a great way to introduce the concept of “heel,” where the dog walks close to your side.
Addressing Pulling: The Stop-and-Redirect Technique
Inevitably, your puppy will try to pull on the leash, especially when something exciting catches their attention. If your dog starts pulling, stop walking immediately. Wait for them to come back to you or at least to turn their attention back to you. Once they do, praise them and start walking again.
If they persistently pull towards something, walk in the opposite direction, encouraging them to follow you. This teaches your puppy that pulling doesn’t let them explore as they please.
Advanced Leash Walking
Leash walking, in its advanced stages, becomes more of an art than a mere skill. While the basics focus on curbing undesirable behavior and establishing fundamental walking habits, advanced leash walking aims to create a harmonious relationship between the handler and the dog.
Here’s how you can evolve your leash-walking techniques to achieve this balance:
Understanding Loose Leash Walking
As previously mentioned, loose leash walking allows your dog to explore without putting tension on the leash. It’s the middle ground between strict “heeling” and unrestricted pulling.
The goal here is to let your dog know they have freedom but within boundaries. A slight tension should redirect them, and they should adjust their pace accordingly.
Introducing Variable Rewards
By the advanced stage, your dog should be familiar with receiving treats for good behavior. Now, you can start varying the type and frequency of rewards. Instead of treating every few steps, reward them randomly. This unpredictability encourages sustained good behavior. Also, introduce praise, petting, or even a favorite toy as alternate rewards.
Implementing the “Silky Leash” Technique
This technique focuses on teaching the dog to respond to even the slightest pressure from the leash. Begin in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Gently apply a bit of pressure on the leash, pulling slightly to one side. The moment your dog yields to that pressure, even slightly, release and reward. Repeat this in various directions. Over time, your dog will learn to adjust their movement based on minimal leash cues, making walks smoother.
Practicing Turns and Changes in Pace
Mix up your walking routine by adding in some unpredictability. Make sudden turns, change your pace from slow to brisk, or even transition into a brief jog. Each time you change your walking pattern, your dog should adjust to match your speed and direction. Reward them generously when they do, especially when they anticipate your moves.
Adding Distractions
Training doesn’t end once your puppy walks nicely in your backyard. The real test comes when you introduce distractions. Start by taking your puppy to quiet places with few distractions. Gradually increase the level of distractions as they become more proficient.
Consistency is Key
Remember, the key to successful leash training, like all dog training, is consistency. Ensure that all family members are on the same page regarding training techniques and expectations. This way, your puppy will not receive mixed signals about what’s acceptable.
Final Thoughts
Training a puppy to walk on a leash is a journey. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and remember that every puppy is different. Some breeds, such as Border Collies, Labradors, German Shepherds, and Toy Poodles may pick up leash manners quickly, while others need more time. Be patient, stay consistent, and soon enough, you and your furry friend will enjoy countless pleasant walks together.
