How to Leash Train a Dog That Won’t Walk
Introduction
How to leash train a dog that won't walk. This skill is part of good dog etiquette and essential for your furry friend's health and safety.
The Joint World Food and Agriculture Program of the World Health Organization states that walking is the best exercise for preventing many cancers and heart disease.
And even if your best buddy doesn't need to get on the scale – he's already perfect just the way he is – daily walks are one of the easiest and most addictive forms of physical exercise and mental stimulation that any human or canine can do.
In this article, we will cover:
- Understanding your dog's reluctance to walk on a leash
- Preparing for leash training
- A step-by-step guide to leash training a dog that won't walk
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Tips for successful leash training
- Benefits of leash training
When you've finished reading this guide, you'll be equipped with the know-how and equipment needed to get your dog to walk peacefully on a loose leash – even if they put up quite a fight initially.
As in any dog training situation, the key is patience and consistency.
Understanding Your Dog's Reluctance to Walk on a Leash
When you're ready to begin leash training, it's essential first to comprehend why your dog is being stubborn about walking on the dog's leash.
If they're not comfortable with the idea of being tethered at the end of the leash, we can't expect them to follow the rules and demonstrate proper leash manners right away.
Fear or Anxiety
Introducing a leash may not be a good idea for a fearful dog, especially if this is the first time the dog has encountered one.
Fearful dogs often quiver, tremble, or try to escape when faced with an unfamiliar situation.
Lack of Socialization
Dogs left without the variety of experiences that make up an environmental enrichment program during socialization and into adulthood may become uncertain and even fearful.
An environmental enrichment program basically consists of different environments, people, and animals with which the dog can interact in a safe yet stimulating manner.
The objective is to thoroughly socialize the dog with everything it's likely to encounter. More ideas for an environmental enrichment program can be found online.
Previous Negative Experiences
A dog that has had an inferior experience while on a leash—like being dragged or jerked along—may associate the leash with feeling bad.
So if you need to get your pup moving again after such an experience, the first step is to take a deep breath and then work to reestablish a positive association with both the leash and walking.
Lack of Leash Training
Dogs that aren't properly introduced to the concept of a leash or haven't received consistent ‘walk on a leash' training may become bewildered when placed on one.
They might not understand what's expected of them and, in many cases, will fight the whole idea.
Most dogs consider being on a leash a kind of prison sentence at first and will try their best to escape.
If possible, they'll pull like crazy toward any old scent they catch while walking along the sidewalk.
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Medical Issues
Occasional resistance to walking on a leash is average.
Dogs may fight sometimes, especially if they are still getting used to wearing a collar and walking on a leash.
However, if your dog consistently and persistently resists walking on a leash – meaning he doesn't walk at all or only does so after severe coaxing – you're not alone.
Many dogs we know of have been described as ‘not liking' or ‘hating' being walked on a leash.
In some cases, this behavior might be influenced by underlying medical issues like joint pain, injuries, or illnesses that make walking uncomfortable or even painful for the dog.
Sometimes, it's possible to pinpoint precisely what's wrong with your dog's behavior and correct the problem outright; other times, you can't pinpoint anything specific that inspires the inappropriate behavior and must resort to general troubleshooting strategies.
Preparing for Leash Training
Having the appropriate equipment and creating a positive setting for training a dog to walk on a leash is a good idea.
Andalusian dogs, in particular, can require some practice and patience during this new task. Initially, they may pull quite hard on the dog's leash as they attempt to explore their surroundings.
Gentle yet consistent leash pressure is required to get such dogs to walk nicely on a leash.
This is ample reason not to use old-fashioned choke collars or other devices that constrict the most sensitive area of a dog's neck.
These devices are uncomfortable for the dog and dangerous: tight collars can cause temporary loss of air and even heart irregularities – the opposite of what any pet owner wants when applying force during doggy aerobics!
Choosing the Right Collar and Leash
Selecting the appropriate leash and collar is crucial for successful leash training. There are various types of collars available, such as:
- Flat collars
- Martingale collars
- Head halters
- Harnesses
When your dog lunges or pulls during walks, consider using either a head halter or an “easy walk” harness instead of the conventional collar and leash.
These types of collars accomplish two very important things:
They prevent pulling on traditional collars that can cause discomfort or even injury to dogs (especially those with thin skin behind their ears), and they also help train dogs to pivot while walking without yanking on the human attempting to lead them somewhere.
In my experience, traditional leashes of a length of 4-6 feet seem invariably too short for comfort; dog walkers must huddle grotesquely close to their charges just so that the allegedly impartial leash wouldn't wrap around not-so-innocent human torsos as the couple makes its way through an assigned route.
Creating a Positive Association with the Leash
To help your dog develop a positive association with the leash:
- Treat the leash as a toy, allowing your dog to play with and investigate it.
- Reward your dog with small treats and praise whenever they interact with the leash positively.
Establishing a Consistent Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to teaching your dog loose leash walking without pulling. While some dogs may grasp the concept immediately, others require more time and practice.
How you structure your “lessons” is an important part of leash training.
You could train for short periods of time, like half an hour during lunch or right after work when you're free. Avoid training when you're preoccupied or in a rush—it's not the fastest or safest for either you or your dog.
Excitement can lead to danger if you trip while trying to navigate steps with your rufous Fourth of July parade flag held high while simultaneously holding onto a yanking leash.
Choosing a Quiet, Low-Distraction Environment
Positive reinforcement is the basis of all successful dog training. In this case, the goal is to get your dog to associate the leash with something pleasantly addictive and make it want to wear it voluntarily – and that takes time.
You've got to set up a controlled environment (your backyard or a remote park) that's protected from distractions so your dog can focus on what you're trying to teach – most notably, respecting the leash and walking correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Leash Training a Dog That Won't Walk
After preparing your dog for leash training, the actual training process can begin.
Follow these steps to help your reluctant canine become a carefree walker on a leash.
Start with Indoor Leash Training For A Dog That Wont Walk
Begin leash training indoors, with fewer distractions, where your dog feels more comfortable.
- Encourage your dog to walk with you by using their favorite high value treats and praise as rewards.
- Start with short distances and gradually increase the length of your indoor leashed walks as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Transitioning to Outdoor Leash Training
Once your dog is comfortable walking on a leash indoors, it's time to transition to the great outdoors.
- Choose a quiet location with minimal distractions for your first outdoor walk.
- Gradually expose your dog to new places, sights, and sounds as they become more confident on the leash.
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Dealing with Resistance
If your dog resists walking on the leash:
- Encourage forward movement using high-value treats or toys to lure your dog in the desired direction.
- Use gentle leash pressure, applying a little bit of pressure when necessary.
- Avoid using force or excessive pressure, which may increase your dog's resistance and anxiety.
Increasing the Duration and Distance of Walks
The longer the dog walks, the more he accustoms himself to the leash and learns to believe in his handler.
With increased time and distance comes greater dog confidence and endurance – a vital combination for any pet that must walk on a leash.
Introducing Distractions
Gradually introduce distractions during your leash training sessions, such as:
- Other people
- Dogs (at a safe distance)
- New things and sounds
If you have a non-walking dog, then visual leash training can help your dog learn to pay attention to you and the walking experience while diversions are around.
And who knows – your dog might just surprise you by picking up the old art of trundling along at an alarming rate after all these years!
Remember to celebrate even the tiniest steps your dog takes toward becoming a better walker, and never push too hard or for too long at any one time during training sessions that are already as short as they are sweet.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common problems that may occur during leash training of dogs that won't walk can sometimes be resolved consistently.
Here are some potential issues and solutions:
Dog Pulls on the Leash
If your dog pulls on the leash, consider using a head halter or a front-attachment harness.
These tools and training methods can easily redirect your dog's attention back to you when it pulls while walking, allowing you and your furry friend to enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable stroll together.
Dog Sits or Lies Down and Refuses to Move
When your dog sits or lays down and refuses to budge, coaxing them back up with tasty treats often works best.
If that fails, you can use gentle guidance from the leash to get them moving again in the opposite direction.
Remember not to pull or drag your dog, as this will usually just make them dig in their heels and avoid moving even more stubbornly than before.
Dog Is Easily Distracted
If your dog has a short attention span, you can keep them focused on you using high-value treats. In dog training sessions, it's common to use “shapes” or formed pieces of food to reward good behavior and attentive walking.
Using these types of snacks during sessions makes sense since the appearance of food can capture the focus of even the most easily distracted dogs.
However, with positive reinforcement training tactics and using rewards in just the right proportions – enough to hold your dog's attention but not so many that they interrupt the experience – pet owners can teach their dogs to pay attention and not constantly look around for something more interesting.
Dog Shows Fear or Anxiety
If your dog demonstrates fear or anxiety during leash training, employ desensitization techniques and positive reinforcement to make them feel much more at ease with what's happening.
Have your dog exposed to the thing that makes them quiver (such as the leash) at a low level of intensity such that they're not really expressing any persistent nervousness or upset (that's “low-level” in the sense of amount and kind of perceived threat).
Praise them bunches when they are able to be calm while arriving at that low-intensity stimulus; in effect, you're crafting an association between the calm, confident behavior of your patient dog and arriving at whatever it is that's supposedly making them quake in their pet shoes.
Tips for Successful Leash Training
To ensure success in leash training your dog:
- Be patient and consistent with your training efforts.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as tasty treats and excited praise, to encourage good behavior.
- Keep training sessions short and fun to maintain your dog's interest and engagement.
- Gradually increase the difficulty of training sessions as your dog progresses.
- If you're struggling to make progress, consider consulting professional trainers for guidance.
Benefits of Leash Training
Successful leash training offers numerous benefits for both you and your dog, including:
- Improved safety: A leash-trained dog is less likely to run into traffic or get into other dangerous situations.
- Better control and communication: Leash training helps you maintain firmer control over your dog and is an important part of dog-owner communication.
- Increased bonding and trust: Training sessions provide great opportunities for bonding and building trust between you and your furry friend.
- Enjoyable walks: A dog that walks calmly on a loose leash makes for a more pleasant walking experience for both of you.
If your dog pulls on the leash, you are not alone. Pulling is one of the most common complaints that dog owners have about their dogs.
It's especially frustrating because many people don't understand why their dogs do it or what they can do to prevent it.
It's important to note that when a dog pulls on the heel while walking, it almost always means one of two things: either the dog is not being respected in terms of space and pace (i.e., he or she is being rushed along too quickly), or there's something going on with the dog's behavior that makes him or her want to run – either in response to certain sights, sounds, smells (especially scents associated with other dogs), or emotions, such as fear or anxiety.
Final Thoughts
At first, getting a dog to walk on a leash that doesn't want to can seem like a tough task.
But with the right approach to walking and proper techniques, you and your pet could turn being forewarned into being forearmed: about just how good it can get.
Remember to stay patient.
Consistency is key here; don't expect too much from your canine companion or yourself in the first few Walking School sessions.
Understand what makes your dog not want to be walked on a leash in the first place – a fear of other dogs, strange environments, or even just being tired from too many recent walks.
Once you know what's going wrong and why (with these things often hard to change), work on having fun while walking so that those times become positives in your dog's mental health calendar.
To summarize:
- Understand your dog's reasons for refusing to walk on a leash
- Prepare for training by choosing the right collar and leash and creating a positive experience
- Follow a step-by-step training plan, starting with indoor sessions and gradually progressing to outdoor walks
- Troubleshoot common issues using positive reinforcement and gentle guidance
- Be patient and consistent in your training efforts
Making no progress with a persistently reluctant dog can be a sign that you need to seek help from a professional dog trainer.
They will not only provide the kind of individualized guidance that is essential to overcoming the many obstacles that may arise but also give you the push that will get you back on track.
Remember, teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash is about his safety and well-being and how it can benefit your relationship with him.
So don't hesitate to ask for support—either with making progress or overcoming plateaus because, quite frankly, you're just feeling a little discouraged.
Happy walking!
FAQs
How long does it take to leash train a dog that won't walk?
The time required to leash train a dog that won't walk varies depending on the dog's age, temperament, and previous experiences. Some dogs may show progress within a few training sessions, while others may require several weeks or months of consistent training.
What if my dog continues to refuse to walk on a leash?
Consulting professional dog trainers or a veterinary behaviorist may be helpful if your dog refuses to walk on a leash despite consistent training efforts. They can assess your dog's needs and provide tailored advice to address any underlying issues.
Can older dogs be leash-trained?
Yes, older dogs can be leash trained, although the process may take longer than with a new puppy. It's essential to be patient and adjust your training approach to accommodate your adult dog's physical and cognitive abilities.
What are the best treats for leash training?
The best treats for leash training are small, soft, and highly appealing to your dog. Examples include small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or commercially available training treats. Choose treats your dog finds irresistible and reserve them specifically for training sessions.
How often should I practice leash training with my dog?
Aim to practice leash training with your dog in short sessions, ideally several times daily. Keep training sessions positive and engaging, and end each session on a high note to maintain your dog's motivation and enthusiasm for learning.
