| If your dog is anything like most dogs, he loves his | | | | dog feels pressure, he is going to instinctively pull on |
| walk. It's a fun time for a dog and has the added | | | | the leash in an attempt to relieve the pressure. The |
| benefit of providing him with exercise which is | | | | owner has to teach the dog that walking beside |
| necessary for his health. But walking a dog isn't | | | | them is pleasant not hurtful. In order to walk |
| always fun for the owner; especially when the dog | | | | properly, constant slack in the leash is a must. |
| doesn't know how to walk on a leash. In these | | | | * Encourage your dog to look at you during walks. A |
| cases, the dog usually gets walked much less. | | | | dog must be looking at its owner in order to ensure |
| So what is the "proper" way for a dog to walk on a | | | | that the dog is walking beside its owner with slack in |
| leash? Slack is important. You have enough slack if | | | | the leash. Looking at you reminds him you are still |
| you can step over the leash even with your dog | | | | there. Dogs are easily distracted. In order to get the |
| walking by your side. That's the goal. | | | | dog to look and make the correction, a message has |
| Going for walks with an untrained dog is often | | | | to be sent to him through the leash. Usually all this |
| fraught with uncontrollable pulling, quick bursts of | | | | requires is a gentle flick of the wrist. If that does not |
| running and a constant starting and stopping circus of | | | | work, then lure him to look at you without pulling the |
| smelling. If you can teach your dog how to walk | | | | leash. When he does, pat him on the back, draw him |
| properly, then walking him will be more enjoyable for | | | | towards you and smile. If you're after proper leash |
| both of you. | | | | behavior, make sure that you do this same behavior |
| Recognize that you as the owner taught him to walk | | | | anytime your dog looks at you during the walk; pat |
| improperly on a leash, and as such, you can train him | | | | him on the back, draw him near you and smile. |
| to walk properly. | | | | * Love your dog constantly and consistently. The |
| Below are a few pointers to assist you in this training: | | | | owner is the one a dog wants to be closest too. It's |
| * Correct leash length. Dog trainers agree. The | | | | important to let you dog know that you love him. |
| proper and most effective leash length for training of | | | | Show that you really want him by your side. |
| your dog is six feet. | | | | Whether on walks or just relaxing at home, love |
| * Think about how your dog thinks and feels. Dogs | | | | your dog constantly. This will carry over into your |
| do not like to feel pressure. Never keep the leash | | | | training. |
| tight, even if the dog is right by your side. Anytime a | | | | |