How to Leash Train a Dog in 2024
There is dog leash laws in most parts of the United States. This is not only to protect the safety of your dog but also the safety of other dogs and wildlife.
Therefore, it becomes one of the tasks of dog parents to train their dogs on a leash after they get them.
However, most dogs have an active personality. They can be highly resistant when they first start using a leash. This article will give dog parents some advice on how to leash train a dog.
Table of Contents
1.How to Leash Train a Dog
1.1 Desensitization
Dogs don't realize what a leash is when they are first introduced to it. If the dog parent puts it on the dog directly it will make them fearful.
So, dog parents can take it out and introduce it to their dogs at first. Then put the leash on the doll and hold it for a few steps. This can help the dog understand what the leash is for.
Of course, this will not get the dog out of its fear. The dog parent also needs to desensitize the dog. For example, the dog parent can often take out the leash and play with the dog.
The dog parent can try to put a collar on the dog during play. Once the dog accepts the collar, the dog parent can attach the leash. Then take the dog for a short walk around the house.
If the dog does not chew on the collar or pull the leash during the process, the first step of training is successful. Next, dog parents shouldn't let their guard down. They need to strike while the iron is hot and keep training their dog.
Suppose the dog shows resistance in the process. Dog parents can feed the dog some snacks. But after taking away the leash also take away the snacks.
Let the dog realize that there is a leash for it to have snacks. After repeating this several times, the dog will gradually accept the existence of the leash.
1.2 Indoor Training
When the dog can accept the leash, the dog's parents should not rush to take the dog out for a walk. If you take your dog outdoors before it gets used to it, it will not feel free on the leash.
The dog may break away from the leash. When the dog's parents want to leash it again, it will be very resistant.
Therefore, dog parents should remain patient during the training process. When the dog is ready to use the leash at home, the dog parent can walk the dog around the house first.
The dog parent can put a little snack in some places in the house. Then lead the dog to find these snacks. During this process, the dog will feel the fun and benefits of the leash.
After some time, the dog parent stops putting out snacks. Then use the leash again to walk the dog around the house. If they accept the leash activity without snacks, the dog parents can try to take them outside.
1.3 Outdoor Training
The outdoors has many attractions for dogs, such as wildlife. Parents need to take away this attraction. This will make the training program difficult if the dog is chasing wildlife.
Parents also need to have some snacks on hand the first time they use the leash outdoors with their dog. Snacks can be effective in attracting the attention of most dogs, even if there are wildlife distractions nearby.
After several attempts, the dog's parent stops feeding the snacks. If the dog can accept it, it means that leash training has been a big success.
The dog parent needs to spend a lot of time continuing to train the dog over the next few days. If the parent slacks off after the first success, the dog may become resistant to the leash again after a period of time.
The most important part of leash training is the companionship and patience of the dog's parents. Dogs can feel the emotions of their owners. When the dog's parents care for them, the dog will accept the leash more quickly.
2.Common Problems of Training
During training, dogs may pull on the leash. They may stand still or wrap the leash around the pet owner. These behaviors can be frustrating and unpleasant for both the dog and the pet owner.
So, what can be done to fix this problem? I will offer some suggestions.
2.1 Chest and Back Leash
Dog parents use this type of leash to minimize damage to the dog's neck. When the dog pulls the leash, the dog parent can use the chest and back leash to quickly control the dog's behavior.
2.2 Encouragement Training
During leash training, dog parents can prepare some snacks. When the dog's parents lead the dog to walk for a distance, they can feed the dog some snacks or praise and touch the dog.
These encouraging behaviors can reduce the dog's anxiety. Dogs will be less resistant to leashing when they receive enough affection from their parents while on the leash.
Note: Dog parents should be patient with their dogs during this process. Don't get angry at your dog or punish him when he pulls.
Otherwise, the training may backfire. The dog will become more annoyed with the leash. In more serious cases, the dog may be afraid to go for a walk with the owner.
2.3 Control the Training Time
At the beginning of leash training for dogs, dog parents should learn to control the training time.
Let the dog get used to the presence of the leash first, and then gradually increase the training time. This will help the dog accept the owner using the leash to take it out.
2.4 Control Walking Direction
When the dog pulls on the leash in one direction during training, the dog parent can walk in the other direction.
By controlling the dog to walk in another direction, the dog can realize that it needs to follow the owner's instructions.
3.Aids
3.1 Aorkuler Dog Tracker
If the dog accidentally breaks free during leash training outdoors, the dog's parents cannot know the whereabouts of the dog. Therefore, we recommend dog parents wear a tracker on the dog's collar.
Aorkuler dog tracker utilizes radio technology to transmit the dog's location data. It can track your dog's location in real-time. Using it in rural or suburban areas will not affect its transmission speed.
This product does not require a cellular network. Dog parents don't have to pay a subscription fee to a cellular carrier.
After the dog's parents don't want to use this tracker, they don't have to contact the Aorkuler team to refund the subscription fee.
Most importantly, the Aorkuler dog tracker has sound and night flash features. Of these, the sound feature helps dog parents train their dogs.
When the dog is at home, the dog's parent can turn on the sound feature. Then call the dog to come to the side to feed it a snack. After repeating this behavior for many times, the dog will understand that the sound from the tracker means the owner is going to feed it. They will voluntarily return to their owner.
During outdoor training, when the dog breaks away from the leash and runs to other places, the dog's parents can turn on the sound function. In most cases, the dog will stop running away.
3.2 Toys
During outdoor training, dogs will lose interest in snacks after consuming too many of them. Dog parents need to use toys to re-attract the dog's attention.
Dog parents can carry some of their dog's favorite toys. Use the toys to entice the dog to continue walking when the dog stops and does not move.
Dog parents can also bring their dogs to play games with them. For example, set up some roadblock barriers. Dog parents lead the dog together to pass the game.
4.Summary
The leash can effectively protect the dog's safety. Leash training is one of the most important behaviors for dog parents. Through the training suggestions in this article, we hope that dog parents can quickly get their dogs to accept the existence of a leash.