How to train a dog to walk on a leash for the first time?
Juanita Gleason
2025-07-20 22:14:26
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: 6
Start by standing still and quiet. Allow your dog the full length of their lead. Once you have your dog's attention, you can move off - use your voice and treats to encourage your dog to stay close to you when walking. Always reward your dog when they're walking on a loose lead. If your dog moves too far away from you before the lead goes tight, stop and be still and quiet until they pay attention and move closer to you. Reward and move off again. This must happen every single time your dog moves away. Practise this in short and regular sessions.
Denis Abbott
2025-07-20 21:37:09
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: 10
To start, fill your pocket or treat pouch with treats. Decide what side you’d like the dog to walk on, and hold a few treats on that side of your body. Hold your leash in the hand opposite the dog. Take a step, then stop. It’s okay if the dog doesn’t stay in “heel” position. Feed the dog some treats from your hand, in line with the seam of your pants. Repeat. Take step, stop, feed a treat at your side, along the seam of your pants. When the dog is looking eagerly up at you for more treats, take two steps instead of one before stopping and feeding the dog. If the dog pulls ahead, stop walking immediately. Call your dog back to you, or use the treats in your hand to lure the dog back to your side, but don't treat her yet: take two to three steps forward before feeding. Gradually take more steps between each treat. You can talk to your dog to help keep her attention on you.
Cindy Schoen
2025-07-20 21:05:49
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: 11
It’s best to start loose lead training indoors, away from other distractions. Hold the lead in your left hand and treats in your right hand. Use the treats to lure your dog round to your right-hand side so they are standing, facing the same direction as you. The lead should be crossing over your body and held loosely with your left hand only. Feed them a treat. With your dog in the starting positing, let them sniff the treats in your right hand. Once they have done this, raise your hand to your shoulder, give an instruction such as “with me” and take a step forward. Stop and feed your dog a treat for coming with you. Repeat step two, adding in another step before rewarding. If your dog pulls or moves away from your side, simply stand still and lure them back to the starting position. Practise steps one to three, each time trying to increase the number of steps taken before rewarding. Aim for success and stop and treat while your dog is walking by your side. Once you’ve mastered this indoors, take your training outside. Consistency is key with loose lead walking so ensure you’re training every single time the lead goes on.
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