How to Get a Dog to Follow on a Leash

Teaching a dog how to follow on a leash is an important aspect of its training. Doing so isn't always easy, however. Most puppies and adult dogs dislike wearing a collar initially -- let alone a leash -- and will object to having to do so. However, for the safety of your dog, it must learn how to walk on a leash. With time, training and patience, you can succeed in teaching your dog how to follow on a leash.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the collar and leash on the dog to allow it to get used to the feeling of them. Let the dog eat, play and walk around while wearing them. Expect the dog to initially scratch at and try to remove them. Do not take them off when the dog objects, as you are only rewarding its behavior if you do. Remove the collar and the leash only when the dog doesn't object to having them on. Allow the dog to wear the leash only when you are able to provide supervision.

    • 2

      Take the dog to an area that is quiet and without distractions for training. If the dog has lots of exciting things to look at, it will be less inclined to focus on the lesson.

    • 3

      Grab the free end of the leash and take a few steps with the dog. If the dog begins to pull, stop walking and stand still. Wait until it calms down -- which may take a few minutes -- and take another couple of steps when it does. The key is stopping all forward movement when the dog pulls. When the dog starts to walk with you and doesn't pull, reward it with a treat and affectionate praise, such as saying "good dog" and petting. This method will teach the dog that walking stops when it pulls, and that rewards are given when it stays close to or follows you.

    • 4

      Hold out a treat to encourage the dog to walk toward you if it refuses to move when on the leash. Some dogs are not comfortable wearing the leash and are reluctant to move when it is on. Entice it to come to you and begin walking by taking out a treat. When it comes toward you, reward the dog with the treat. Then attempt to walk again. Continue this process until the dog begins to walk on its own with you. The amount of time it takes for this to happen depends on the dog.