Leash Training

Poor leash etiquette is a weakness commonly found in shelter dogs. Many of them come from prior lives characterized by abuse or neglect where behavioral problems were encouraged. These poor creatures have never been taught that it is wrong to pull when walking on a leash and they just don’t know any better. Is it too late for them to learn proper manners? Of course not! With some time and patience any dog, even an adult, can learn to be an excellent walker.

Admittedly, training can be tedious and time consuming, but the payoff is enormous. Don’t give in or become discouraged! If you take the time to teach your dog how to walk properly on a leash, your walks with him will be much less taxing on your nerves and your body. You will actually be able to enjoy the time spent with your furry friend!

Like people, each dog is unique and has his own learning style, therefore no one training method works for every dog. Below you will find three common methods used for leash training. Hopefully, among these three, you will find one that will work for your dog. But remember, no matter which method you choose, NEVER reward your dog for pulling. (Recognize that walking is a privilege for a dog, it is something he enjoys and that excites him, and therefore walking in itself is a reward. Do not continue to walk if your dog is pulling on the leash or you will inadvertently communicate that such behavior is acceptable. ) Even if you are in a hurry, you must remain consistent in your rules. During training sessions, reinforce good behavior by rewarding your dog with treats and praise.

To better ensure your patience and your dog’s enjoyment, keep training sessions short (at least in the beginning) but hold them frequently.

Before you start:
Expend some energy.
Most dogs love walks, but some become overly exuberant as soon as they see the leash. If your dog falls into this category you should try to expend some of that excess energy before you start a training session. Play ball inside or throw a Frisbee outside, anything that will get him running and tire him out a little.

Grab a big handful of treats.
Treats are very important for any method of training. Find something that your dog loves. Pieces of dog food might be sufficient for some dogs but you could also use tiny cubes of cheese, crumbled bacon, thin slices of hot dog, small pieces of cooked chicken or steak, freeze dried liver, or little pieces of jerky treat.

Method 1
Set out on your walk. As soon as the leash goes tight, stop and stand in place. Don’t move – you want your dog to know that if he keeps the leash tight or pulls, he will not get to walk. Call your dog back to you. If he knows the command "sit," ask him to sit. Give him a treat and praise him. (If your dog does not come when you call him and you cannot gain his attention, just stand still until he stops pulling. This may take awhile, but be patient! When he finally stops pulling on the leash, try calling him again. If you cannot get him to come to you, you may approach him. But do not give him a treat unless you are able to create slack in the leash.) Start walking again. If you are able to go a few steps without him running ahead, quickly give him another treat. If the leash goes tight, stop, stand still, and repeat the process.

Method 2
Show your dog the treats in your hand. Hold one right in front of his nose and start to walk. After a few steps, pop a very small treat into his mouth and praise him. While walking, continue to give him a treat every few feet and praise him for being good. If he runs ahead of you and the leash goes taut, stop and stand still. Call him back to you and show him the treats again. Continue as described above. (Alternatively, you may start by showing the dog the treat and then allowing him to nibble on it. Begin to walk while he continues to nibble. Continue to feed treats constantly until you feel like you have his attention. Then try to keep them in front of his nose, just out of reach, and only pop one in his mouth every so often.) After a few days try keeping your "treat" hand closer to your body and therefore further away from your dog’s nose. Continue to give him treats regularly so he remembers that you have them. If the leash goes tight at any time, stop walking, call him back and show him the treats. Keep one in front of his nose for a few feet, pop it into his mouth, and then bring your hand back closer to your body.

Method 3
Begin your walk. When your dog dashes ahead and the leash becomes tight, quickly extend your arm forward to create slack in the leash and then turn around abruptly and head back the way you came (or alternatively you can make a 90 degree turn to the left or right). The point is to surprise your dog by a change in direction, but Do not turn without first creating slack in the leash. The dog needs to feel that pop on his collar and he won’t feel it if he is already pulling against you. Eventually he will realize the change in direction. When he catches up to you, praise him and give him a treat. Do it quickly before he gets ahead of you! The next time the leash goes tight, make another about face.

If your dog does not respond to home schooling consider enrolling in basic obedience classes led by a professional trainer. Read more about the training classes that we offer.

Is your pet already good on a leash? Then help train our dogs! The SPCA is in need of volunteers to exercise the canines at our quarantine kennel. For more information contact Lauri at dogvolunteer@spcaswmich.org. Or provide consistent daily training by fostering a dog. If you are willing to open up your home as a temporary residence please contact Gwen at dogfoster@spcaswmich.org.