Instructions for Dog Training on a Leash

If you own a dog, chances are you also own at least one leash. Leashes are effective ways of restraining a dog as you walk him and help dog owners comply with local leash laws. When your dog is on-leash, it is a golden training opportunity. Dogs are constantly learning, and we are constantly teaching them, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Before you can train your dog on a leash, however, you need to train her to use the leash correctly, dog trainer Norma Bennett Woolf says in the Dog Owner's Guide.

Things You'll Need

Dog
6-foot leash
Treats
Toys
15-foot leash

Instructions

- 1
  Introduce your dog to the 6-foot leash slowly. Allow him to sniff the leash and treat him for his curiosity. Clip the leash to your dog's collar once he is used to it and let it drag round for a while so he can get used to having it attached.
- 2
  Pick up your end of the leash and start slowly walking around the house. Reward your dog with treats, praise or her favorite toy for walking alongside you rather than pulling. Stop immediately if the dog pulls and only start walking again once the leash is loose. Practice this until your dog realizes that walking next to you on a loose leash is much more rewarding than pulling ahead.
- 3
  Take your dog outside on his leash and practice loose leash walking. Gradually add distractions such as other dogs, people or children. Reward him for ignoring the distractions and walking next to you.
- 4
  Use every walk as an opportunity to train your dog. Take treats with you every time you leave the house with your dog. Use a 15-foot leash to teach a recall in public places by putting your dog in a "stay," walking to the end of the leash and calling her to you, treating her when she comes. Teach a reactive dog to ignore passing dogs or people by putting him in a "sit," and feeding him treats if he ignores the distractions. Always reward calm behavior around potential problems, such as squirrels or mailmen.