Dog ownership is an exciting chapter of life that comes with joy and challenges. Owning a dog comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important responsibilities a dog owner has is the responsibility to properly train their pet. Properly training your dog is crucial for everyones safety, including your dog’s. It can also help strengthen the bond between you and your new pup!

What is Leash Training?

Leash training is the process of teaching a dog to walk calmly and obidiently on a leash. This does not come naturally to most dogs, so it is important to start this training as soon as possible. However, a dog can be leash trained at any age. Depending on the dogs age, techniques for training may have to be altered to align with the dogs age and temperament. 

Why is Leash Training a Dog Important?

Leash training is often the foundation for teaching your dog other commands and obedience skills, making it extremely important. Not only is it important for building more skills, but it important for safety. The safety of your dog, you, and other people can be impacted if you do not properly leash train. Walking on a leash can feel unnatural to dogs and they can get easily spooked or feel threatened. This can result in unwanted behavior like leash pulling, barking, aggression, and in some cases biting. If you have been bitten by a dog that was not properly leash trained, you have the right to hire a San Antonio dog bite lawyer to help you file a claim for compensation. 

Steps to Take to Properly Leash Train a Dog

Training you rdog how to properly walk on a leash can feel like a daunting task at first. Breaking up the training into smaller steps will make it easier for your dog to learn and less intimidating for you.

Get The Right Gear

Get the right equipment needed for training. This includes a collar, harness, and leash. You will also need some treats to reward good behavior. If the dog is older and has some behavior problems that still need work, a muzzle can also be helpful. Start by having your dog wear this gear around the house so they can get used to the feeling.

Start at Home

Start your training off leash at home. Think of a marker word you want to use. A marker word lets the dog know they are doing the correct behavior. A common word is simple “yes”. Practice having your dog walk close to you by placing a treat by your feet then taking a few steps. After a few steps, reward them.

Take It Outside

Once they are comfortable following you off leash in the home, take it outside. Go to a quiet park with minimal distractions. Repeat the training in the public space while your dog is on leash. Let your dog explore the area before starting training so they are familiar with the area. 

What To Expect During Leash Training

Don’t expect that your training will go perfectly. There will be some challenges during training, but this is normal. Common struggles are leash pulling, frequent distraction, and barking. For these problems, pausing training, redirecting your dogs attention, or telling them to sit can help. You may get frustrated at points and feel the urge to yank the leash, yell, or give a collar pop, but remaining calm will be the best option. Instead of pulling back on the collar, stand still before turning the opposite direction to walk. It may not come naturally at first for your dog to walk on a leash, but by following this guide, staying calm, and repeating your efforts, you will be walking in no time!