Leash Manners Classes Sydney – Book Today

Eazy Dog Training – Obedience Classes in Sydney

Leash Manners Classes Sydney – Glebe, Sydney Park, Sydney Olympic Park

How To Teach a Dog Loose Leash Walking

I used to compete in obedience and in trials “heel” means the dog is walking on your left side with his head even with your knee while you hold the leash loosely. Pet dog training can be a little more relaxed with the goal being that they walk politely on a loose leash without pulling or lunging.  Eazy Dog Training Leash Manners Classes in Sydney ensure good lead walking manners around distractions.

Whether your dog walks on your left side or your right side is completely up to you. However, you should be consistent about where you want them if you want to avoid zig-zaging in front of you.

First, make sure your dog is comfortable wearing a leash and collar or a harness. Practise putting them on and handling them at home first, rewarding your dog for staying calm. Some dogs may bite the leash, this shouldn’t be allowed. Keep your dog focused on treats as you put the leash on each time. Practise putting it on and taking it off at home, without even stepping outside or moving around.

Then, stand next to your dog with the leash in a loose loop and give him several treats in a row for standing or sitting next to your leg in a calm manner. Take one step forward and encourage him to follow by giving another treat as he catches up. Practise walking like this step by step. If he runs in front of you, simply stop or turn the opposite direction, call him to you, and reward him in place. Then continue. Gradually begin fading away treats, don’t reward him every step you take.

Practise leash walking at home first and them move to quiet areas with minimum distractions. Add distractions gradually. Eventually, your dog will walk happily at your side whenever he’s on his leash. Allow your dog plenty of time to sniff and “smell the roses” on your walks, it’s a great mental exercise for them! When they’ve had their sniffing time, give the cue “Let’s Go!” in a happy voice and reward them for coming back into position and walking with you.