Things You'll Need
- Leash
- Collar
- Harness (optional)
- Treats
Instructions
Hook the leash to the dog's collar. Play with your dog while doing this, so that the dog associates the leash with a pleasant experience.
Hold the leash in your right hand, with your dog on your left side. Look straight ahead.
Start walking with your left foot, keeping your dog on your left side. Always begin with the left foot, so that your dog understands this is a signal it should start walking.
Allow the dog to walk at its pace. If you notice that the leash tightens and the dog hurries ahead or is distracted by a sound or smell, stop walking and pull the leash toward you. Allow your dog to stop, and then praise it or give it a treat. Pull the leash whenever you want your dog to stop.
Start walking again with your left foot first.
Repeat the start and stop process several times in a five-minute interval.
Introduce the command "heel" as soon as your dog walks on a leash as it is supposed to.