How to train an excited dog to walk with a leash

Does having a dog at home that gets so excited that it gets out of control as soon as you leave give you a headache? Every time you lead it out, it feels like a fierce tug of war game, pulling you forward with all its might, completely ignoring commands. But don't worry, as long as you master the correct methods and train patiently, your excited dog can also learn to walk obediently with a leash.

Dogs become excited after going out for various reasons. They are naturally lively and active, and are full of strong curiosity about the outside world. Every new scent, every unfamiliar sound, can instantly ignite their excitement. When they are locked up at home for a long time and finally have the opportunity to go out and release their energy, the excitement becomes uncontrollable like a volcanic eruption. Some dogs may also have separation anxiety, becoming overly excited as soon as they go out to relieve their inner tension. In addition, a lack of socialization and training can also make dogs unsure how to properly control their behavior when faced with various external stimuli.

Before starting training, we need to be fully prepared. Firstly, choosing a suitable traction rope and collar is crucial. The towing rope should not be too long or too short, and a length of generally 1.5-2 meters is more suitable. This can give the dog some space to move and allow you to effectively control it. The size of the collar should be moderate, not too tight to avoid strangling the dog's neck, and not too loose, otherwise it is easy to slip off. In terms of material, it is better to choose soft and comfortable nylon or leather materials.

In order to make the training smoother, it is also essential to prepare some snacks that dogs like as rewards. Delicious snacks like chicken jerky and cheese cubes can reward dogs in a timely manner when they perform well, reinforcing their correct behavior.

When training, choose a quiet and less disruptive environment, such as a quiet corner in a residential area or a park with fewer people. This can make it easier for dogs to concentrate and focus on training.

The first step in training is to familiarize the dog with the leash and collar. Don't rush to take it out as soon as you arrive, but let it adapt at home first. Put the collar around the dog's neck and let it play with it for a while. At first, it may feel uncomfortable and try to scratch or shake its head with its paws, but don't stop it. Let it get used to it slowly. Then, tie the leash and let the dog move freely around the house, feeling the presence of the leash but not forcefully pulling it. As the dog gradually adapts, you can gently pull the leash and give gentle commands such as "go", then immediately give a snack reward to make the dog understand that this command is related to the pulling of the leash.

After the dog has adapted to the leash and collar at home, it can be taken outdoors for initial training. Before going out, let the dog sit quietly at the door and wait for you to tie the leash for it. If it is too excited and keeps jumping, don't rush out and wait for it to calm down before taking action.

When outdoors, don't rush to let your dog walk. Instead, let it stand in place for a while, observe the surrounding environment, wait for it to calm down a bit, then gently pull the leash and give the command to "walk". If the dog can cooperate and move forward slowly, it should be praised and rewarded with snacks in a timely manner. But if the dog still rushes forward like before, don't pull the leash hard to stop it, it will only make it more excited and even develop resistance. You can stop, stand still, wait for the dog to realize that it cannot move forward, turn its head and look at you, then call it in a gentle tone, give it a reward when it returns to you, and then try to continue walking.

During the walking process, it is important to constantly monitor the dog's condition. Once signs of excessive excitement or a desire to break free from the leash are detected, it is necessary to stop and adjust its state in a timely manner. You can calm it down by interacting with it and caressing it before moving forward.

Training is not achieved overnight, it requires us to have enough patience and perseverance. In the early stages of training, dogs may frequently encounter problems, but don't be discouraged. Every training session is an opportunity for improvement. When the dog can finally walk quietly and orderly under your guidance, the sense of achievement is indescribable. This not only makes our travels easier and more enjoyable, but also allows dogs to better enjoy the outside world in a safe environment. Watching your dog no longer lose control due to excessive excitement, but instead being able to cooperate seamlessly with you, strolling together in the sunshine and feeling the gentle breeze, this beautiful companionship is the best reward for our attentive training. Let us use love and patience to help these lovely children become role models for civilized travel and create more beautiful memories together.