Dog Leash training is not the same thing as heel training. Dog leash training is simply getting a dog to behave correctly when on the leash. Simply stated…keeping the dog from pulling on the leash. The goal here isn’t to keep him at a rigid heel position but to have him walk beside you with no tension on the dog leash.

Your dog needs exercise and the best way to give it to him is to take him on walks. If you have a dog that constantly pulls and yanks you around from place to place walking him will be a chore rather than a joy. For your sanity and your dogs’ health you need to train him not to pull on the leash. He needs to go through a dog leash training course.

If you have a puppy, get him used to the leash by attaching it to his collar when he is walking around the house. He will seem annoyed at first but soon he won’t even notice and will accept the light tension. Older dogs usually don’t mind the leash, but giving them a few hours with the leash attached freely is a good idea. It’s best to use a six-foot leash for this training.

Never leave the leash attached when your dog is alone. The leash can get hung up and the dog may end up hurting himself trying to get free.

Learning NOT to PULL

Once your dog is accustomed to the leash, put on his training collar and attach the six foot leash. Take him somewhere with as few distractions as possible, particularly other dogs and animals and start the dog leash training.

Hold the leash at waist level with both hands and start walking with the dog on your left side. Invariably the dog will start lunging ahead and pulling on the leash. Just before he gets to the end of the leash tell him “easy.” Turn in the other direction and start walking away from him. Don’t talk to him, just keep an easy pace and tug him in your direction.

When he starts advancing in front again, give the “easy” command and turn back the other way again. When he catches up and is beside you give him some voice praise. Sometimes it is helpful to slip him a small treat at this phase to keep his interest.

Keep repeating this process until he gets it. You don’t have to achieve the goal of no pulling in the first session. When you feel your dog is getting bored, do one more practice and end on a good note of praise and maybe a treat. If your dog hasn’t gotten the idea after the first week or so of practice you may have to alter your training somewhat.

Slow Learners

If your dog doesn’t get the no pulling concept quickly, don’t despair. Next session instead of using your standard training collar, bring out the prong collar. Follow the same dog leash training sequence as above. The added prong collar incentive should bring your dog to respect the leash and make your training successful. If they still aren’t getting it, one sharp yank on the leash should re-enforce the concept.

This measure shouldn’t be used on puppies. More practice is usually all they will need to get the no pull concept.

Remember even if you have to resort to the prong collar it’s important to praise your dog when the training session is over. End on a good note even if you have to praise the dog for sitting on command, or some other already learned command. Keep it positive and your dog will be excited when you slip on his training collar. Hopefully once your dog accepts his leash training, walking him will be a pleasure for you both.