How to Train Dogs to Walk with a Leash

Taking a dog for a walk outside during the time spent with it should be a warm and wonderful experience. However, when the dog ran wildly ahead and uncontrollably pulled the leash, this walk became somewhat awkward. In fact, as long as you master scientific training methods and integrate patience and love, it is not difficult for dogs to learn how to use leashes and walk in a civilized manner.

Before training, it is necessary to choose a suitable leash and collar or chest harness for the dog. There are various materials for traction ropes, such as nylon and leather. Nylon is sturdy, durable, and affordable, while leather provides a more textured and comfortable feel. In terms of length, generally 1.5-2 meters is more suitable, which can provide a certain amount of activity space for dogs and facilitate the owner's control. The size of the collar or chest strap should be precise, as being too tight can make the dog feel uncomfortable and even affect breathing and blood circulation; If it is too loose, it is easy to fall off and does not have a restraining effect. When you carefully select these equipment for your dog, it's like preparing a special travel gift for it, full of your care for it.

Dogs may feel unfamiliar and resistant when they first come into contact with a leash. Don't rush to take it out yet, but let it familiarize itself with the presence of the towing rope at home. Place the leash beside the dog and let it sniff and take a look to familiarize itself with the scent and appearance of the leash. Then, gently tie the traction rope to its collar or chest harness, allowing it to freely move around the house while dragging the rope. During this process, the dog may move unnaturally due to the restraint of the leash, and even try to break free. At this time, you should gently comfort it and encourage it in a gentle tone, such as "Baby, it's okay, adapt slowly". At the same time, it can use its favorite snacks or toys to attract its attention and gradually ignore the presence of the traction rope. When a dog is able to play freely with a leash, it indicates that it has initially adapted.

After adapting indoors, you can enter the initial training stage outdoors. Choose a quiet place with few people and cars, such as a garden or a quiet alley in the community. At the beginning, dogs may become excited by new things in the outside world and pull the leash hard. At this point, do not pull back forcefully, as it will only make the dog exert more force and create a confrontation. The correct approach is to immediately stop and stand still when the dog is pulling. When a dog finds that its progress is hindered, it will turn back to look at you. At this point, you need to wait for it to calm down, relax the traction rope, and then take a gentle step forward while giving the command to "go". If the dog catches up, give timely praise and rewards, such as gently saying "great" and giving it a small snack. This process needs to be repeated, stopping and waiting for the dog to quiet down every time it pulls, until it learns to obey your commands and move forward in sync with you.

As the training progresses, the difficulty and interference factors of the training should gradually increase. After the dog is able to walk with a leash in a quiet environment, it can choose some slightly more lively places, such as parks, where there are other people and dogs and there is more disturbance. When a dog is attracted by the things around it and wants to rush past, it is still necessary to stop in time and use short and clear instructions to bring it back to you, such as "come back". Wait until it returns to you and quiets down before continuing forward. If a dog can still obey your commands and walk in harmony with you in such a disturbed environment, then it should be given richer rewards to understand that obeying commands in complex environments will receive greater recognition.

During the training process, it is important to always maintain patience and a positive attitude. Dogs may have fluctuations, sometimes performing well and sometimes pulling and tugging on the leash, which is normal. Don't get angry or scold the dog for its temporary lack of cooperation, as it will only make the dog feel scared and confused, affecting the training effect. Every successful walk is the accumulation of trust and understanding between you and your dog. When one day you take your dog out and it obediently follows you, keeping a suitable distance with a leash, enjoying the beautiful time of walking with you, the sense of achievement and happiness is indescribable. Let us accompany our dog on this training journey with love and patience, and make it a well behaved baby for civilized travel.