Loose Leash Training Your Puppy
oose leash walking is an important skill for your puppy to learn. It’s not a strict heel. It just means that your puppy will keep some slack in the leash while you’re out walking. For many people, walking their dog means that they are being dragged around feeling as if their arm is being pulled out of the socket. Once your puppy has mastered the loose leash walk, you’ll find taking him for walks much more enjoyable.
There are three steps involved in teaching your puppy loose leash walking:
1. As of this moment, you are not to take one step forward while your puppy is pulling.
This step always sounds easier than it actually is. Pulling can be rewarding for dogs. Dragging you around gets them moving forward to explore new things and investigate new scents. You can eliminate the reward from your puppy’s pulling by stopping them from getting any further when they pull. So, when your puppy hits the end of the leash, hold tightly and plant your feet. Your pup should not be able to take even one more step while yanking your arm.
When you’re first teaching your dog not to pull, this step can prove frustrating. You may find that it takes twenty minutes to get to the end of your driveway. But don’t worry it will get better!
2. Make it rewarding for your puppy to stay close to your side.
Keep some treats in your hand near your hip and allow your puppy to have a treat with every step or two. If your puppy’s nose doesn’t quite reach your hip you can try using something like peanut butter or cream cheese on the end of a wooden spoon. Hold the spoon down and close to your body while moving forward. At first, your dog should be getting a treat with each step. Once he is staying close and leaving some slack in the leash consistently, you can start giving treats every other step and so on until you have your puppy walking by your side with treats given occasionally.
3. Teach your puppy a command such as “with me” to let him know it’s time to move forward.
As you start your walk, give your pup the command. This is his signal to stay by your side while walking. The steady stream of treats coming his way should reinforce the command.