Dog Leash Training

Dog walking is important for both the physical and mental well-being of a dog. A tired dog is less likely to get into mischief at home. Walking is a great way for owners to bond with their pets. However, before a dog and owner can enjoy the benefits of the walk, they must first master the skills of the walk.

Having a dog leading the way can seriously undermine the role of the dog owner as pack leader. It can be embarrassing and even dangerous for owners who allow themselves to be pulled by their dog. Proper leash control is important both for the dog's safety and others. A dog that charges off after other dogs, even if it only wants to play, can lead to dog fights. If the dog charges out into traffic, it not only endangers itself but also drivers.

The basic tools for training a dog to walk on a leash are a properly fitted collar and a leash. Ideally, an owner should be able to walk with their dogs with just these two tools. However, for dogs that are harder to control, there are a number of other tools available. One popular tool is the Gentle Leader head harness, which works by gently guiding the dog's nose, like a horse's harness. Other popular types of collars used are the choke chain and pinch collars. All of these tools can be effective when teaching a dog to walk on leash, but only when used properly.

Some trainers suggest beginning the training at home when the dog isn't distracted by other sights and sounds. Sometimes a lack of consistency with commands is the problems. Trainers suggest always using the same word, whether it is "heel" or "walk" to avoid confusion. Owners should begin with the dog standing next to them on the left side. Trainers suggest that owners should stop the walk (or walk in the opposite direction) as soon as they feel the dog beginning to put tension on the leash.

Another tool that has become popular is clicker training. Clickers are small devices with an indentation that a trainer can press to make a clicking sound. They are used by trainers to mark behaviors and are used in conjunction with treats. Dog trainer Karen Pryor suggests using clickers when walking a dog on leash, to mark the behavior of the dog walking at the owner's side. When the dog is by the owner's side during the walk, the owner should click and treat the dog.

When a dog is in the heel position, the dog stays at the owner's left side while walking, and the leash is kept short. It is important to teach heel before teaching a loose leash walk as heel offers the owner greater control over the dog. This is important when walking in crowded areas or when there are distractions such as other dogs. Loose leash walking still has the dog walking on the left side, but with the leash loose, allowing the dog greater freedom.