How To Leash Train A Dog

Knowing how to leash train a dog is essential. To learn how to leash train a dog will enable you to take your dog out for walks, to the park and out to play. Learning how to leash train a dog requires you to know how to create a positive association to the leash in your dogs eyes. Once the dog has a positive impression of the leash it will be a lot easier to coax the dog to allow you to have control with the leash. Remember that to a dog the leash may seem threatening at first and cause the dog stress. Teaching a dog to walk on a leash will require patience above all else.

Things you'll need:

• Leash
• Treats or Toys

1. Determine your dogs motivation. Determine what motivates your dog to use it as a reward. Attempt to feed your dog treats to see if he is motivated by treats. Try to reward your dog with playing or a toy and see if that is sufficient motivation. When a dog is neither interested in a treat nor toys consider the final reward for a dog: attention.
2. Introduce the dog to the collar. Hold the collar in front of the dogs face. Gently place the collar on your dog. Give your dog a treat or reward him in as determined in step one. Repeat this process several times over the course of two days. Always create a positive experience with the collar.
3. Attach the leash to the collar. Attach a leash to the collar but do not take control of it. Allow your dog to walk around with the leash and get use to the weight of it. Reward the dog with treats or another reward and make it a positive and fun experience. Remember that in the mind of a dog this may be a scary situation and you need to make it fun for your dog.
4. Take control of the leash. Take control of the leash once you are sure your dog is comfortable with the collar and the leash. Once you have the leash constantly reward your dog. Ensure the dog that it is a fun experience.
5. Walk the dog. Walk the dog inside your home with the leash. Coax the dog towards you every few steps with a treat. Constantly reward the dog for his progress. Never yell at a dog when leash training as this will greatly hinder progress. Practice this routine with your dog for a day or two until he appears to be comfortable.
6. Take the dog outside. Take your dog outside with the leash. Continue to reward your dog every step of the way. Coax your dog away from distractions with treats or another reward. Show your dog that it is a fun and positive experience to walk with you on a leash.

Tips:

• Leash training a dog is about creating a positive experience. Once a dog associates the leash with rewards he will accept it and learn to enjoy it.
• After the first few steps it is not uncommon for a dog to get excited when he sees the leash, use this to your advantage.