How to Get a Dog to Walk on a Leash

Walking with your dog on a leash is important for two reasons. It enables you to keep the dog safe and it is a good way of controlling the dog and reinforcing your position as leader. Some dogs are naturally well-behaved when on lead, but others pull and strain. Your dog should walk at your pace, by your side, and should not lunge or attempt to run off. Some dogs need more help than others in mastering leash etiquette, but with perseverance any dog can do it.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce your dog to the leash gradually. Until the dog has the leash on for the first time, she has experienced nothing but unbridled physical freedom. For some dogs it is hard to adjust to being controlled by a leash. Put the leash on and praise the dog. Get the dog used to the sensation of the leash, but allow her to roam about as normal. Make the dog associate the leash with your praise.

    • 2

      Practice walking indoors. Walk in a loop around the room and once you've completed a lap, change direction. As you change direction your dog should follow, but if she doesn't, you should stop walking and issue the "come" command. Do not move until the dog approaches you and when she does, issue praise or a treat. Help your dog associate good behavior with a positive outcome. Be patient. Wait for the dog and don't move until she approaches.

    • 3

      Practice outdoor walks. If you have a garden, this is a great place for the next stage of leash training. The park is good if you don't have a garden, but use a spot that is quiet so that your dog isn't distracted. Break up a doggy treat into very small pieces and give them to your dog as you walk while saying "heel." This teaches your dog that walkies involve treats and "heel" is the trigger word. Gradually reduce the frequency you give out the treats. If your dog loses interest in you and starts to pull away, stop walking. This shows the dog that pulling results in the walk being stopped. Call the dog back and wait for her to come. As soon as she does, give her a treat and say "heel." You are gradually teaching the dog that compliance brings rewards; non-compliance ends the fun.

    • 4

      Introduce the "heel" command. Without using treats, give the command as you walk. If the dog slows down to your pace, give praise. If she doesn't, stop the walk and wait for a minute. When stopped, the dog will realize that her action had a consequence. Most dogs will have a positive association with the "heel" command by this point, and will comply instinctively.