Author: Terry Hearn
Dogs love walks and they can be a great way to build a bond between you and your furry friend. Teaching them to walk well on a lead is also very important to ensure they remain safe and focused when out exploring the wild!
While some are easier to train than others, every dog will need to learn how to walk on a lead. In this guide, we explain the process of learning to walk your dog on a lead without pulling or getting distracted and then will discuss techniques for teaching both long lead and heel walking.
Step one: Getting prepared
Before you begin make sure you have the right equipment:
- A harness or collar: Make sure your dog has a comfortable and well-fitted collar or harness. We suggest that you allow room for two fingers (2cms) so the harness is not too tight. If you are unsure about the fit, check out our size guides for measuring tips.
- If you know your dog is prone to pulling, a harness is likely a better option than a collar as it will prevent strain on the neck.
- A lead: There are a wide range of leads available, from colourful rope leads to patterned webbing leads, but for training, the only requirement is that you choose a standard 4-6ft lead that is durable. Avoid retractable leads until you are confident in your dog’s ability to remain calm and focused as the lack of resistance can encourage pulling.
- Treats: Alongside positive reinforcement, high-value treats should be used to encourage positive behaviour.
Step two: Introduce a collar or harness
Before heading outside, it’s worth taking the time to allow your dog to get familiar with their new collar or harness and get comfortable wearing it around the house.
Check out the article ‘How to get your dog used to wearing a harness’ for detailed step-by-step guidance on how to build positive associations between the lead and the excitement of a long walk!
Step three: First steps
Now they are happy with their collar or harness, it’s time to teach them how to walk beside you.
- Hold treats in one hand and the lead in the other. With your dog standing by your side, give them a treat for standing close to you.
- Choose a command to start walking. Make sure you use it consistently so they can quickly learn what it means.
- Take a few short steps and then stop. If they follow and stop at your side reward them with a treat and continue walking. If they move away from you, stop walking, reset and start again. Avoid pulling them into position and instead use treats to guide them back.
- Keep repeating the process and gradually increasing the number of steps - soon your furry friend will have learned to walk when you walk and wait by your side when you stop.
Step four: “Watch me”
Exploring on a walk is going to be one of the highlights of your dog’s day, but that may also mean they get overexcited and lose focus.
When your dog has got used to walking ahead of you on the lead, start using the command “watch me” or calling their name intermittently. Each time they look back, give them praise and a treat before allowing them to continue walking.
This will become a very important command as it gives you a way to instantly bring back their focus and attention should they get distracted while exploring.
Step five: Lead control
Sometimes you will need to use the lead to steer or avoid hazards. When doing this, never pull hard or suddenly. Instead, apply a little bit of pressure that will instruct but not hurt.
This can be practised while walking by changing direction or calling them back to you. On the occasions where they do not follow, simply apply gentle pressure, releasing as soon as they begin to follow.
It may require some practice and patience, but working through these steps will help your pup to enjoy their walks without getting too distracted and build positive associations with wearing their harness and lead.
Long lead walking
Moving beyond basic lead walking, walking on a long lead is a great way to allow your dog additional freedom to explore, while also letting you keep control. These leads are typically more than double the size of a standard lead - sometimes beyond 30ft! (15-30ft should be plenty for most dogs).
As your dog will be further away from you it is important to be proactive about avoiding tangles that could cause injury. Ideally, long leads should be used in open spaces like parks and beaches, where there are not as many hazards to navigate.
The key to a good experience is that your recall commands are effective. Regularly check in by calling your dog back to heel regularly and rewarding them for returning.
Many of the above methods for regular leads still apply, even though the lead is longer. As before, stop walking whenever they begin to pull and don’t allow the walk to continue until they stop.
Heel lead walking
Heel walking is a special command that ensures your dog will stay by your side, matching your pace and direction. Heel is a very useful command if you need to call your dog back because of a narrow path or walking in a busy area, but it should only be used in short bursts - after all, you’re out on a walk so your dog can run off some energy and explore!
To begin teaching heel, follow the “first step” guidance above. Then add the command “heel”, each time rewarding them for walking alongside, and using treats to prevent them wandering ahead.
Heeling is not always easy as it requires a lot of self-control, which can be tough for a dog that is excited for a walk, so make sure that heel-ing is practised indoors first and you are patient with your furry friend.
Walking off the lead
In many cases, dogs can be taught to walk without a lead. This can be challenging because of the amount of distractions out there in the world and having one less way to bring their focus back to you.
Walking off lead requires mutual trust - that you will spot potential red flags in their behaviour to keep them safe, and that your dog will follow your instructions regardless of how tempting a distraction they have discovered.
Not all dogs are suited for off-lead walks:
- Chasers may forget themselves and cause accidents by chasing cars, bikes, cats or squirrels.
- Easily-scared dogs may get spooked by a sudden loud noise and run out of fear.
- Dogs that are territorial or react when other dogs are nearby may cause problems for other people and ignore your commands.
If your dog has proved themselves to be of the right kind of temperament you can practise walking off lead in a safe environment, like a secure park. Use both “watch me” and “heel” commands regularly to make sure you still have their attention and offer treats and praise to reinforce good behaviour.
FAQs
How long does lead training take?
Typically, lead training can take up to one month, but the actual amount required for your dog will vary depending on their age and temperament.
Short and frequent practice, positive reinforcement and calm lead control will all help to build good habits as quickly as possible.
What is better, a collar or a harness?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both collars and harnesses. Ultimately the decision should come down to the owner’s preference and the needs of the dog.
For example, harnesses provide more control and put less pressure on a dog’s neck and back, making them better for older pets. In contrast, collars are easier to put on and take off, are recommended for training and are less intrusive and heavy.
Check out the other TopDog article “Is it better to walk a dog with a harness or a collar?” for a more detailed breakdown of the pros and cons.
How do you stop a dog from pulling on a lead when walking?
The best way to prevent a dog from pulling is through training that reinforces positive behaviour. This will take time and patience, but can help to improve focus and recall, which will in turn prevent pulling.
The article “What is the best lead for a strong dog that pulls?” includes more tips and considerations about how collars and harnesses can affect how much your dog pulls.
Are prong collars for dog walks cruel?
Yes, prong collars are generally considered cruel because they cause unnecessary physical harm and can lead to behavioural problems. Not only are prong collars ineffective, they are also ineffective as they make dogs confused and aggressive rather obedient.
Dog collars should be secure and comfortable, with training done through positive reinforcement rather than punishment.
Show off the results of your dog lead training
Lead training can be a long and frustrating process, but the results are well worth the dedication - just remember that the key is calm instruction, positive reinforcement and gentle lead control and soon you will both be able to enjoy walks of all kinds safely as you build a bond of trust and understanding.
Check out TopDog’s stylish range of collars, leads and harnesses and make sure your dog is looking their best when showing off their incredible lead walking skills!