Whether you’re attempting to leash train your four-legged friend during those precious puppy stages, or bone up on the basics later in his or her adult life, most pet owners learn that dog walking takes a bit more finesse than expected.

As much as we’d love for Patches to just slip on the leash and walk with us without pulling at the leash or stubbornly refusing to budge; the reality is dogs need to learn leash skills alongside socialization, basic commands, and house-training.

Choosing the Right Leash for Walking Your Dog

There are hundreds of leash options on the market, so it is understandable why choosing the right leash for walking your dog can seem confusing. The best bet for training your dog to walk on a leash is to select a sturdy, shorter nylon leash (4 ft. – 6 ft., depending on your height and the size of your dog). While you may be tempted to go with the cool extendable leashes (please, not a flexi-lead / retractable leash though), these are best suited for dogs who are well-trained and need lots of room for running or jogging alongside you.

When selecting a leash, look for those that have any of the following features:

  • Secure buckle or snap collar made of nylon or leather
  • Martingale or slip collar, used for dogs who easily slip out of collars while pulling
  • Chest harness for extra security and no pressure on the neck or throat
  • Head collars, which also prevent pulling by turning the head (these collars should never be left on your dog for extended periods of time, or while unattended)

Training Tips

OK, so you are now equipped with the right collar and leash. You’re ready to embark on those fun first walking adventures with your dog, but how do you deal with the unexpected? What if your dog starts running after a squirrel or decides to take a nap on the sidewalk?

Here are a few tips on best practices in mastering the art of the dog walk.

  • Before you begin, make sure your dog knows some basic commands, such as “sit”, “stay”, and “drop it”. Consider enrolling him or her in an ethical, reputable dog socialization and obedience class, if you haven’t already.
  • Begin by selecting a known command, such as “heel”, to use any time your pup begins to pull or lose focus from your voice or pace.
  • Reward your dog each time he or she responds to the command with verbal affirmations, or through the use of clicker training and corresponding treat.
  • Choose low-traffic routes and avoid over-stimulating your dog by not walking through busy parks with squirrels, pigeons, and other dogs.
  • Bring water and take breaks as needed.
  • Gauge your dog’s abilities and interest in the walk, and keep the first few short and at a steady, slow pace.
  • Praise your dog throughout the walk for following commands and keeping a loose leash. Consider naming the behavior with a positive tone of voice so your pet associates the two.
  • Pay close attention to the “heel” command near busy intersections or before crossing a street.
  • And, don’t forget to be a courteous dog walker by cleaning up any messes made by your dog and maintaining control over his or her behavior.

Before you expose your dog to dog parks or other places where he or she may encounter wildlife or other pets, ensure all vaccinations are current. Schedule a wellness appointment and we will thoroughly take care of your friend’s booster or vaccination needs. In the meantime, happy walking!