(Long) leash & more: Leash training for relaxed walks
Does your furry friend always lead the way on walks and is it more like your dog is walking you than the other way around? Sounds like a case for our Pets Deli leash guide, with which we want to give both of you a bit more relaxation and helpful tips for enjoyable times together on the go.
Step by step: It all starts with training
Because no dog will initially think: “Oh yes, great, bring on the leash” – and that's completely okay and natural – it all starts with consistent training. You can use the method of conditioning and proceed as follows at the beginning:
1. Good experiences are key
So your furry friend doesn't go on strike every time they see the leash, they need to associate it with something positive: good experiences and fun. To make sure leash walking doesn't mean pulling your dog by the neck or taking away their freedom, you can use the leash in familiar situations. Put the leash on your dog when feeding and cuddling so they learn: everything is safe and pleasant.
2. You decide who calls the shots (and the dog)
Well, the dog, of course. Dogs learn quickly – if your furry friend wants to linger somewhere or finds certain spots especially exciting, they might pull you straight there. Even the first time your dog will learn: The leash is there so I can choose the way myself.
Showing your dog that you are the boss has several advantages: On one hand, you can choose the route and avoid constant tugging from both sides; on the other hand, this behavior is a matter of trust. Your dog will only reliably respect you if you are able to lead them safely.
By the way, this applies to every situation: The chances that your dog will take you seriously are especially high if you act reliably and consistently at all times. If your dog experiences that you behave transparently and always the same in certain situations, they will adapt to it.
3. Stick to the training routine
To incorporate these two tips as effectively as possible, you need a few fixed training steps that your dog knows and can rely on over time. Start the training in a calm environment without distractions from traffic noise or other dogs. If your dog walks calmly beside you at first, you can reward this behavior immediately. If your dog starts to pull, try to get their attention.
If your dog doesn't respond to their name, you turn around on the spot without jerking the leash. If your dog comes to you and follows, reward them. Then give this step a name, such as “heel”. Every time your dog runs ahead and pulls, calmly turn around, say "heel" and praise when they walk beside you. If changing direction in a calm environment works well, you can gradually expand the training to public places.
Give this a try!
Next level: the long leash
If your dog is relaxed on a short leash during city walks and listens to you, you can take the next step. The long leash is used to teach your dog to walk off-leash or to truly let them walk on a long leash. The goal is for your dog to be recallable at any time and to come back to you.
In general, it is advisable to use a harness. If your dog is not used to it and is otherwise only walked on a collar, you should get them familiar with the harness beforehand. The reason is that your dog can take off on a long leash and you need to absorb the force. A sudden jerk can occur, which with a collar can cause serious neck injuries.
During training, the leash should hang as loosely as possible and never be taut. If your dog starts playing with the leash at first, stop the behavior with a firm “No!”. If your dog walks calmly beside you, always reward them. If your dog strays too far from you, you need to regain their attention. Call them to you and reward when they come.
It's important during long leash training to watch your dog closely and develop a sense for when they might try to run off. Then be quicker than the exciting object, such as another dog or strangers, and lure your dog back to you. In an emergency you can reel your dog in with the long leash. Only when your dog is very reliable in this training and you always succeed in getting them to look at you and come, should you let them off leash.
Reflect on your own behavior
Leash training always means trust. A good bond with your furry friend is the most important prerequisite for relaxed training. If things don't go as planned, you can ask yourself: Am I relaxed? Am I anxious or insecure? Dogs pick up on these behaviors very quickly and will also behave more insecurely. That's why it's important to be confident from the very start.
