Leash training is important to keep your dog by your side, especially when you are crossing the road. Try the steps below to train your puppy. Be consistent and patience in your trainings.

Step by step leash training

  • Hold the leash in your right hand and a reward (a treat or favourite toy) in your left, moving it around tog et the puppy interested in it.
  • Walk backward and call the puppy's name. Keep the leash slack and entice him with the reward. If he is reluctant to follow, let him mouth the toy or give him a taste of the treat, call his name again, and continue backing away. He will be sure to come with you.
  • Once the puppy is happily walking towards you, bring the hand with the treat around towards your leg, and then forward, and he will turn to follow it
  • Walk forward, rewarding the puppy as you do. Use the commands "walk" and "heel" so that he learns to associate the actions with the command and reward.
  • Note the correct way to hold the leash and the correct position for the puppy by your side
  • During initial leash training, keep a treat in your left hand so that if the puppy becomes distracted, lags behind or starts pulling, you can entice him back to the correct position and pace, then reward him.

When your dog pull on the leash

If your dog pulls, don't pull back, since it will simply encourage him to strain harder at the leash. Instead, stop and walk backward. Surprised, the dog will stop and look to you for direction. Reposition him at your side with the command 'heel' and resume walking. Repeat this exercise whenever necessary. The dog will soon realize that pulling is unrewarding and walking to heel is a much more relaxed experience.

Vary your pace while out walking. Jog, change direction, stop, and then walk on gain. If your dog can't predict what you're going to do next, he will keep his attention on you rather than charging full steam ahead to what he thinks is his destination.