(Leash) training & Co: Leash training for relaxed walks
Does your furry friend always have their nose in front when going for a walk, and does your dog generally walk with you rather than you with them? Sounds like a case for our Pets Deli Leash Guide, which aims to provide both of you with some relaxation and helpful tips for enjoyable hours spent together.
Step by Step: In the Beginning was the Training
Since no four-legged friend will initially think: “Oh yes, great, bring on the leash” - and that’s completely okay and natural - a consistent training is essential at the start. You can use the method of conditioning and proceed as follows:
1. Good experiences are the be-all and end-all
To ensure your furry friend doesn’t go on strike every time they see the leash, they need to associate it with something nice: good experiences and fun. To ensure that leash walking doesn’t mean pulling your dog by the neck or taking away their freedom, you can introduce the leash in familiar situations. Leash your four-legged friend during feeding and cuddling so they recognize: everything is safe and pleasant.
2. You determine how the hare (and the dog) runs
Uh, the dog, of course. Dogs learn quickly - if your furry friend wants to stop for a bit longer or finds certain places particularly exciting, they might pull you straight there. Right from the first time, your dog will know: The leash is there so I can choose my path.
Showing your dog that you are the boss has several advantages: On one hand, you can determine the route and avoid constant tugging from both parties, and on the other hand, this behavior is a matter of trust. Your dog will only reliably respect you if you can lead them safely.
This applies to every situation: The chances that your dog takes you seriously are particularly good when you act reliably and consistently. If your dog experiences that you behave transparently and consistently in certain situations, they will adapt to that.
3. Follow the training process
To incorporate these two tips effectively, you need a few fixed training steps that your dog knows and can use over time. Start the training in a calm environment without distractions from street noise or other dogs. If your dog initially walks relaxed beside you, you can reward this desired behavior directly. If your dog takes off, try to get their attention.
If your four-legged friend doesn’t respond to their name, you turn on your heel without tugging on the leash. If your dog comes to you and follows you, reward them. You then give this step a name, such as “heel.” Every time your four-legged friend runs ahead and pulls, you calmly turn around, say "heel," and praise them when they walk beside you. If the direction changes in a calm environment work well, you can slowly expand the training to public places.
Probier's doch mal hiermit!
Next Level: the Long Leash
If your dog is relaxed on a short leash while walking through the city and listens to you, you can take the next step. The long leash is meant 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 despite having a lot of freedom.
In principle, it is advisable to use a harness. If your dog is not used to it and is usually only led by a collar, you should familiarize them with the harness beforehand. The reason is that your dog can take off on the long leash, and you need to absorb the force. A jolt can occur, which can cause serious neck injuries with a collar.
During training, the leash should hang as loosely as possible and never be taut. If your dog plays with the leash at first, stop the behavior with a clear “Leave it!” If your dog walks loosely 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 them when they come.
It’s important during long leash training to observe your dog closely and get a feel for when they might potentially bolt. Be quicker than the exciting object, such as another dog or strangers, and lure your dog back to you. In an emergency, you can bring your dog back to you on the long leash. Only when your dog is very secure in this training and you can consistently get them to look at you and come, should you let them run free.
Reflect on Your Own Behavior
Leash training always means trust. A good bond with your furry friend is the most important prerequisite for relaxed exercises. If the training doesn’t go as desired, you can ask yourself questions about your own behavior: Am I relaxed myself? Am I scared or uncertain? Dogs sense such behaviors very quickly and will behave correspondingly insecure. Therefore, a confident demeanor on your part is important from the very beginning.
