The Importance of Leash Training

One of the most important things you can teach your dog is how to walk nicely on a leash. You will need to leash your dog for outings such as veterinary visits, grooming appointments, exercise and training. Dogs participate in these activities throughout their lives. Without an understanding of how to behave on the leash these activities will be challenging and stressful.

Leashed Activities

            One of the joys of having a dog is taking them for a walk. You are together in the fresh air, exercising. You get a chance to have long talks, learn more about each other’s personality and show off for the neighborhood. Doesn’t it feel great when neighbors stop and admire your dog? There’s more than the acknowledgement of beauty in that admiration. There’s also incredulity at your dog’s behavior. A well-trained dog catches everyone’s attention.

            Dogs need to go to the vet yearly, if not more often due to an injury or illness. You’ll need to take your dog to your vehicle and then from the vehicle into the veterinarian’s office. You are also likely to have to wait for your appointment in the waiting room where there may be other dogs, or cats. Going to the veterinary clinic should not be a hair-raising experience. It will not be if your dog is leash trained.

            Many dogs require regular grooming appointments to stay physically healthy. Keep in mind, grooming is not just for Poodles or Spaniels. Every dog will need professional grooming at least a few times in their lives. Grooming is not just a haircut. It’s also for pedicures, anal sac discharging, and ear cleaning. Being able to walk your dog from your vehicle to the groomer’s shop is necessary as most grooming shops are in shopping centers or near busy streets.

            Taking your dog to daycare or a boarding facility will also require good leash manners. A pulling, excited dog will cause arousal to other dogs nearby, creating a tense atmosphere. Dogs are far more friendly with each other if they meet with calm conditions.

            Training your dog is extremely important if you want to have a good relationship with them. Teaching them to accept a leash is the first step in this process. There are very few classes that allow off leash training as the first step. Most require your dog to be leashed so that other participants aren’t confronted with your dog as they attempt to train their own.

Teaching Your Dog Heel and Sit

Your dog loves exercise, and it is good for you, too. To enjoy this experience your dog should know how to heel at your side and sit when you stop. This will make it easier to control him as you walk through the neighborhood or, if in a rural area, countryside.

Teaching your dog to heel and sit automatically when you stop should begin the very day he comes into your household. Whether a young puppy or an older dog, canines of all ages can quickly learn how to perform the heel and sit using a 3-step positive reinforcement technique.

1.    Lure your dog into position

2.    Mark the moment with a Click (using a clicker or your voice) when he attains that position

3.    Reward with a treat

Luring Into a Heel Position

Most dogs naturally want to be with their human companions. Those who are easily distracted can often be redirected using something that is rewarding to them. A special treat or toy can often retain your dog’s attention long enough to teach him new behaviors.

1.    Begin by obtaining his attention through placing the treat or toy near his face.

2.    Move forward a couple feet, coaxing him with an enthusiastic tone of voice.

3.    When your dog follows, click and reward.

Each time you do the above, add a few more steps of walking prior to marking your dog’s progress with the click and then rewarding him with a treat or toy.

Suggestion: Hold the reward on your leg by the side your dog will be walking. For example, should you be walking your dog on your left, always hold the reward against your left leg. Your dog will be following this target and will usually remain where your hand is.

Puppies under 6 months of age will often learn to walk with you very quickly. Young dogs between 6 and 16 months might be more easily distracted and require you to do many turns to redirect their attention back to you. Turning often will help with maintaining your dog’s attention, regardless of your dog’s age.

Once your dog has a good idea of what you want, begin using a verbal cue as you move forward. A couple of good words to use are “Heel, Let’s Go, Forward or Hurry.” Be sure that the verbal cue is unique and only used with this exercise.

Luring Into a Sit

Having your dog sit each time you stop walking is a great means of control at road crossings, gates, doors and when stopping to speak with someone. Many dogs learn to sit automatically when you stop, which proves they’ve learned a specific pattern which should be rewarded with praise and treats each time it is offered.

It would be a good idea to teach your dog to sit before chaining it together with the heel work. Knowledge of each component of a behavior chain makes it easier for your dog to automatically respond appropriately to your cues.

1.    With a treat in your hand, hold your hand just a few inches above your dog’s face, between their eyes.

2.    Looking up at the treat will naturally cause your dog to sit.

3.    The moment they sit, mark the moment with your unique sound.

4.    Repeat 4 times.

5.    Add the verbal cue, Sit, from now on when you work on this exercise.

When your dog reliably sits on cue, pair it with the heeling exercises. This adds more variety and enjoyment to your training as you cue your dog to perform a larger variety of exercises to earn their reward.

1.    Holding the treat on your leg, move forward giving the verbal cue to move with you.

2.    When you stop, hold the treat between your dog’s eyes as you use the verbal cue for Sit.

3.    The moment your dog sits, click and reward.

4.    Repeat this each time you stop walking.

Within a short period of time, generally within one training session, your dog will be sitting on cue each time you stop. This becomes a default behavior – an automatic response.  This response will transfer to everyday experiences, such as stopping at curbs before crossing the street. Stopping at doors and gates. And, sitting by your side as you converse with someone.

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