Walking a dog is one of the best ways to spend quality time with your fur baby. But if you’ve ever walked a dog, you know that not all dogs are alike. Some are perfectly behaved and don't need a leash at all, while others pull on their leashes or have trouble walking in a straight line. If you have an unruly pup who pulls on the leash, this article can help!Step 1: Attach the leash properly.You’ll need to attach the leash properly. This is important because it will be used as a training tool, so don't use a small leash or one that's too long. A proper length is between 3 feet and 6 feet (1 meter and 2 meters), depending on your dog's size and breed.The right length of leash should be comfortable for you—not too short, but not too long either! If your hand hurts after holding onto that chain for more than a few minutes then it could be time to get a new one!Your dog should also feel comfortable with their new accessory; they shouldn’t feel like they are being choked by something around their neck, nor should they feel like they have all this freedom without any guidance from their owner (human).Step 2: Practice when there are no distractions.The next step is to practice walking with your dog in different situations. If you’re able to do this, then you can practice any time and anywhere!Try practicing in a quiet place, like one of the rooms in your house where there are no other dogs around. Then try practicing outside while there are other dogs or people nearby—but not too close! You want to make sure that they don't distract your pup too much.Practice on different surfaces like grass or sidewalk; this will help him learn how to walk when he's on various terrain types, which comes in handy later on when you're out walking together at all sorts of places throughout town!Also try going out at different times of day (morning/afternoon/night) as well as different weather conditions (sunny/rainy/foggy). If it's raining outside and it's cold outside? Try putting his sweater on him before letting him go for a walk so he doesn't get sick from being wet all day long!Step 3: Outfit your dog in a front-attaching harness.Now that your dog is trained to walk beside you, it's time to put that training into practice. And for this step, we recommend a front-attaching harness over a collar. Harnesses help prevent choking and pulling on the neck, which is especially important for dogs with arthritis or other health issues. They also ensure that if your dog does pull on the leash—which can happen from excitement or fear—he doesn't pull down too hard, putting strain on his neck or spine.Harnesses also come in handy if you have a small breed with short legs; these dogs are less likely to trip over their own feet when outfitted in one!Step 4: Use a treat to get your dog into position.Now that your dog is in position, the key is to keep him there. A treat will help with this.Using a treat to get your dog into position and reward him when he's there can be helpful, but it's important not to feed treats while you're on the go or as a lure to get your dog into position (as this will teach your dog that walking nicely on the leash means getting treats). Instead, use a small treat as an intermittent reward for staying in place—for example: "Sit," then wait until they sit; then say "Stay" and wait until they stay; then give them their reward.Step 5: Don’t use the leash as a pulling tool.The fifth step in teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash is not to use the leash as a pulling tool.You don’t want to pull your dog in the direction you want it to go, jerk it back and forth, or drag them across the ground when they're walking nicely with you at heel.Step 6: Add distractions once you’re comfortable.Once you’re comfortable with the leash, it’s time to add distractions. Distractions can be anything from other dogs and cats to squirrels. Be patient with your dog and don’t get frustrated if he doesn't listen right away; instead, try to be positive and praise him when he does do well.Training your dog to walk nicely on a leash is easy and fun!The first step to teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash is planning. You'll need a long leash that both you and your dog can comfortably use, and something (like a treat) to reward them with when they're good.If you have time for this little task, make sure it's not too long or complicated -- just 5 minutes will do!ConclusionSo, now you know how to teach your dog to walk on a leash properly. It can be really simple and fun! But don’t forget training takes time. Don’t expect miracles overnight, but if you stick with it and keep practicing, your dog will learn quickly. Plus, the more practice you do, the less likely your dog will be to pull on walks as he gets older!
