Training your dog to do just about anything can be a real challenge. Dog walking is one of the most difficult training challenges. A dog may pull the leash, bark excessively or jump on people. Dog owners often think of the walk as being their walk, too. However, during training, the dog walking needs to be entirely about the dog and its training. It is a working time for both the dog and their owner. The dog will need its owner to continually reinforce boundaries and reward good behaviors during each and every walk until it is trained.
Things You'll Need
- Dog
- Dog leash
- Treats in your pocket
Instructions
Give a "sit" command before leashing the dog. Give the dog a treat whenever it does what you say immediately.
Begin your walk. When the dog barks, stop walking and say "no" in a firm voice. Try to remain detached and calm. Don't start walking until the dog stops barking. Continue this way for the entire walk. It will be frustrating at first, but soon enough you will notice the dog barking less. Remember, the dog really wants to walk.
Give the dog treats and affection when it is behaving in a desired fashion, for example, not barking or walking calmly by your side. Doing this makes the dog focus on you and makes it want to be near you. It also reinforces good feelings in the dog and correlates the treats with the calmer state it is in.
Finish your walk. Give the "sit" command again before removing the leash. Be sure to give the dog more treats and lots of affection when you get home, even if the walk wasn't as good as you thought it would be.
Follow through and do this every time you walk the dog. Dogs need repetition to learn what owners want them to learn. It will take time for the dog to really understand, but if you can train yourself, you can train your dog.