Teaching your dog to walk with you comfortably is an all-important step if you want to take your dog with you anywhere. Whether it’s a walk on a hiking trail or around a busy city, knowing you can easily walk your dog without worrying they will pull is important! That’s why we teach loose leash walking. A loose leash walk is defined as a walk where there is no tension on the leash.
Achieving Loose Leash Walking
One of the main reasons your dog tends to walk ahead of you is that you move slower than they do! Walking politely at a slow human pace is unnatural movement and behavior for your dog. This means that to achieve loose leash walking, you must incentivize them to leash walk at your pace.
With your arms by your side and wrists low to keep minimal tension on the leash, walk with your dog using positive reinforcement and treats while they walk well. If your dog lunges or pulls, you should stop and maintain pressure on the leash. Continuing to reinforce good behavior, and not reinforcing bad behavior, will teach your dog that they aren’t getting what they want when they pull or lunge. Give your dog a treat every couple of steps as they walk along you without tension. Be sure to stop walking or turn around when they pull. They will pick up quickly what form of walking yields treats!
The Benefits of Learning With Your Dog
Loose leash walking is a hallmark of basic training classes, and for good reason! Not only are you teaching your dog how to walk with you and behave, but you are also learning how to properly handle your dog while walking. Taking the time to increase the reinforcement with more steps between treats keeps your dog attentive to you while you both learn to walk together enjoyably.
If you think you and your dog would benefit from learning how to loose leash walk together, then our Canine Training classes are a great match for you! We offer group classes and private consultations with our certified professional dog trainers. We have openings in our Basic Training classes starting next month or any of our Pop-Up: Manners for Everyday Life could help you and your dog.
