Building Better Leash Manners: 5 Easy Tips To Make Walking with Your Pup a Breeze
Your dog’s daily walks are not only a great way to provide exercise, but each walk is also an opportunity to build better leash manners. Our certified dog trainer has some easy tips that will make your walks more enjoyable for both you and your pup!
1. Treats, treats, and more treats! When you take your dog for a walk, you're competing with numerous outside stimuli that can distract them. To keep your pup engaged with you, make sure to bring plenty of treats. Treats serve as a powerful motivator and can help reinforce positive behavior. Remember to use small, bite-sized treats to avoid overfeeding during the walk.
2. Deliver treats on the ground slightly behind you: Does your dog tend to pull on the leash, constantly reaching the end of it? Try delivering treats on the ground slightly behind you. By doing so, you encourage your pup to stay closer to you instead of constantly tugging at the leash. This technique helps prevent the "yo-yoing" effect and promotes a more relaxed walking experience.
3. Reward your pup for checking in: Throughout your walk, make it a habit to reward your dog when they naturally look up at you or check in. When your pup voluntarily directs their attention toward you, mark the moment with a clicker or a verbal cue, and promptly reward them with a treat. This positive reinforcement reinforces the behavior of staying connected with you during the walk.
Our trainer Jess working with Finn on his leash walking skills - watch to see how she puts these tips to work!
4. Have a strong "touch" cue: If your dog starts to get ahead or pull on the leash, it's helpful to have a strong "touch" cue in your training repertoire. Teach your dog to touch their nose to your hand or a target object on command. Practice this cue at home, away from distractions, before utilizing it during walks. With consistent training, your dog will learn to respond to the touch cue, allowing you to regain control and redirect their attention back to you.
5. Allow them to sniff and explore: While it's important to maintain control during walks, it's equally important to allow your dog to sniff and explore their surroundings. Dogs experience the world primarily through their sense of smell, and sniffing provides them with mental stimulation and satisfaction. Allow your pup to take short breaks to investigate interesting scents, as this helps fulfill their natural curiosity and enriches their walk.
By implementing these easy tips, you can transform your walks with your pup into enjoyable and productive experiences. Remember to bring plenty of treats, deliver them strategically, reward check-ins, train a reliable touch cue, and give your dog the freedom to explore through sniffing. Walking with your dog is not just about exercise—it's a chance to strengthen your bond and reinforce positive behavior. So, grab your leash, put these tips into practice, and take your BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever) for a walk that you’ll both enjoy. Happy walking!
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