How to train your dog to walk behind you?

There’s a big difference between a walk where your dog is pulling you down the street like a sled and one where they saunter calmly behind, matching your pace. Getting them to stay back isn’t about being bossy—it’s about building trust and giving them a clear idea of what you expect. And let’s be honest, it makes strolling through busy parks or crowded sidewalks a lot less stressful for both of you.

Start small, indoors, before you even think about heading outside. Grab some of their favorite treats—something tiny and tasty, like bits of cheese or freeze-dried liver. Stand still and call them to your side. When they come, take a slow step forward, and as they move behind you, say “good” and toss a treat right between your legs. Do this a few times, keeping each session short—5 to 10 minutes tops. Dogs get bored quickly, so ending while they’re still excited makes them want to do it again. You’re not just teaching a trick here; you’re helping them understand that staying behind means good things happen.

Once they get the hang of it inside, it’s time to hit the yard or a quiet driveway. The new sounds and smells will distract them, so be patient. Put on their harness—not a collar, which can strain their neck—and start walking. If they dart ahead, stop moving. Don’t yank the leash or scold them; just stand still until they notice you’re not going anywhere. When they step back to check on you, that’s your cue: praise them and give a treat. Repeat this every time they surge forward. It might feel tedious at first, but dogs learn fast when consistency is key. After a few days, they’ll start to connect “getting ahead” with the walk stopping, and “staying back” with the walk continuing.

As they get better, gradually move to busier spots—maybe a quiet street or a local park during off-peak hours. Keep the leash short enough to guide them but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. If they spot a squirrel or another dog and try to bolt, use a gentle “uh-uh” and stop. Wait for them to refocus, then reward when they fall back into place. This is also a good time to practice changing direction suddenly. Turn left or right without warning; when they adjust and stay behind, make a big deal of it with treats and excited praise. It keeps them on their toes and teaches them to pay attention to your movements.

Remember, every dog is different. A high-energy border collie might pick this up in a week, while a laid-back basset hound could take a little longer—and that’s okay. Rushing them will only lead to frustration, for both of you. Also, keep in mind that many areas have rules about leashing and public behavior, so having a dog that walks calmly behind you isn’t just polite—it helps you stay on the right side of local regulations. No one wants a run-in with a neighbor or an officer because their pup darted into a restricted area.

Consistency and positivity are your best tools here. Skip the punishment; it confuses them more than anything. Instead, focus on catching them doing something right and rewarding that behavior. Over time, walking behind you will become second nature, and those daily strolls will turn into relaxed, enjoyable moments together. Before you know it, you’ll be the one leading the way, with your best friend right where they need to be—happy, safe, and right by your side, just a step behind.