Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
For pet parents and their furry friends, a walk on the leash isn't just a daily ritual—it's a bonding experience, an opportunity for exercise and a chance to explore the world together. Yet if you've ever been dragged down the street by an over enthusiastic pup or found yourself in a frustrating tug-of-war with a stubborn hound, you know that leash training is not as simple as attaching a leash to your dog's collar.
Whether you're a new dog owner or an experienced pet parent looking for fresh insights, get ready to enjoy more peaceful and pleasant walks with your pup through your neighborhood and beyond with our step-by-step guide on how to leash train your dog.
Understanding the basics of leash training your dog
Leash training is the process of teaching your dog to walk calmly and obediently on a leash, without pulling or exhibiting unruly behavior. It can keep your dog safe, so they don't get lost or run into traffic or other dangerous situations, and so they rest when you want them to. After all, too much exercise (especially for puppies) can be as dangerous as not enough.1
It's best to start leash training when your dog is a puppy, but older dogs can learn, too. Puppies are more adaptable, and early training helps establish good habits. However, it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks!
Preparing for leash training
Before you begin leash training your dog, make sure you have the following supplies:
- A sturdy leash
- A comfortable, well-fitting collar
- A Gentle Leader or halter for dogs that pull
- High-value treats
- A quiet, safe training area
- Patience and a positive attitude
Choose a time when you and your dog are both relaxed and the environment is free from distractions. Positive reinforcement is key to successful leash training, so have treats ready to reward good behavior.
7 steps to train your dog to walk on a leash
Step 1: Introduction to the leash
Start indoors or in a quiet, familiar environment. Let your dog examine and sniff the leash to become comfortable with it. Then, use treats and praise to create a positive association with the leash.
Step 2: Introduction to the collar or harness
Before attaching the leash, your dog needs to get used to wearing a collar or harness. Choose one that fits well without being too tight or too loose. Let your dog wear the collar or harness indoors to adjust to the feeling. Reward and praise them for their cooperation.
Step 3: Loose leash walking inside
Now it's time to practice indoors with a loose leash. Attach the leash to the collar or harness and let it drag on the floor. This helps your dog get used to the sensation of the leash. Then begin walking around your home, encouraging your dog to walk beside you. Again, use treats and positive reinforcement to reward them for staying close.
Gradually increase the duration of indoor training sessions to help your dog build a positive association with the leash and walking by your side.
Step 4: Moving to outdoor training
Once your dog is comfortable with the leash indoors, it's time to move to the great outdoors. Choose a quiet, low-distraction location for your first outdoor training sessions. Continue using positive reinforcement techniques, and reward your dog for walking by your side and following your lead. Focus on short, successful walks, gradually increasing the duration and complexity of your routes. Use a phrase to remind your dog to walk by your side, like “heel," which is one of the five basic dog commands all dog owners should use.2
Step 5: Distraction and socialization
Gradually introduce distractions, such as other dogs, people or interesting scents. You can do this easily by going for a walk in a populated area or busy park. Encourage socialization during walks by allowing your pup to interact with other dogs. Having both dogs on the leash is a safe way to make new introductions and closely observe both animals' behavior for signs of stress.3
Step 6: Consistency and patience
Leash training requires consistency and patience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Be consistent with your training methods and expectations. Everyone in your household or who interacts with your dog should follow the same rules.
- Be patient. Dogs learn at their own pace.
- Use positive reinforcement. It's more effective than punishment.
Step 7: Advanced training techniques
As your dog becomes more comfortable with leash walking, you can introduce advanced techniques beyond the usual dog training methods and basic commands.
Teach the "heel" command
This command encourages your dog to stay close to you and promotes proper walking behavior.
Address pulling on the leash
Pulling on the leash can be dangerous and even lead to falls or injuries.4 If your dog pulls, stop walking and wait for them to return to your side. Only start walking again when they walk beside you calmly (this can make for a very slow walk, but the training is so important!) Never pull your dog by the leash or yank on it—this can hurt your pup and doesn't promote good behavior. A Gentle Leader or halter is a good choice for a headstrong pup that likes to pull.
Troubleshooting common issues
Leash training your dog may come with its share of challenges. Here's how to troubleshoot some common problems.
Fear of the leash
If your dog appears to be afraid of the leash, take things slow and use treats and praise to create positive associations. This may be due to a negative experience in the past, especially if they are a rescue dog or have experienced any abuse.5
Leash aggression or reactivity
If your dog reacts aggressively when approaching other dogs on a leash, create some distance. When they notice another dog from afar, give them a command such as "sit," and then reward them with a treat so they begin to associate other dogs with positive things.6 You can also consult a professional dog trainer for guidance on managing leash aggression or reactivity. Keep your leash walks confined to less dog-populated areas if you have concerns about safety.
Safety precautions
Follow these important safety precautions:
- Regularly check the leash and collar for wear and tear, ensuring they're in good condition.
- If you have a growing puppy, routinely check their collar to make sure it's still fitting well as they get bigger.
- Choose the appropriate leash length for your dog's size and walking environment. A longer leash offers more freedom, while a shorter one provides more control.
- Keep in mind that retractable leashes can hamper your ability to control your dog and may get tangled or wrapped around things, which can be very dangerous.
- Never pull or drag your dog by their leash.
Pets Best has your back
Leash training is an investment in your dog's well-being and your ability to enjoy many happy walks together. For added peace of mind during your walks, consider Pets Best Insurance, which can help cover unexpected situations. You'll also get access to the 24/7 Pet Helpline, where you can get expert advice from veterinarians to answer all your pressing pet care questions.
Sources/Citations
1. “Puppies: How Much Exercise Is Too Much?" Anna Burke (11/2023), American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppies-how-much-exercise/, accessed October 31, 2023.
2. “An Owner's Manual for The Five Commands Every Dog Should Know," American Kennel Club, https://images.akc.org/pdf/ebook/Basic_Commands.pdf, accessed October 31, 2023.
3. “Introducing your new dog to your other dogs," The Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/introducing-new-dogs, accessed October 31, 2023.
4. “Leash Training for Better Fitness," Michele Taylor (4/2018), WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/features/leash-training-dog, accessed October 31, 2023.
5. “Why Does My Dog Hate the Leash?" (11/2020), East Valley Animal Hospital, https://www.eastvalleyanimal.com/why-does-my-dog-hate-the-leash/, accessed October 31, 2023.
6. “Managing a leash-reactive dog," Animal Humane Society, https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/managing-leash-reactive-dog, accessed October 31, 2023.