Summary
Tips you can practice every walk to encourage loose-leash walking with your dog. Say goodbye to tension on the leash!
Loose Leash Walking Tips You Can Practice Every Walk!
Do you have a dog that pulls on its leash?
Our dog walkers at @ecdwalking work on loose-leash walking with all our clients. Loose-leash walking is an essential skill to ensure everyone has an enjoyable walk. We’ve connected with our walkers to share four tips you can start putting into practice to encourage loose-leash walking with your dog at home.
Practice calm behaviour before you leave the house, for you and your dog.
Dogs are very in tune with our emotions. Help build their confidence by ensuring that you remain in a calm state of mind. Be patient! Remind yourself that progress isn’t linear, and behaviours take time to modify.
Let them sniff!
Sniffing does all sorts of good for your dog’s mental health. When you encourage your dog to engage in stimulating and natural activities such as sniffing their environment, they’ll be more relaxed and comfortable on their walks. Using their nose is how they gather information about their surroundings, and the less stressed they are, the less tension on the leash.
Manage their environment.
Avoid the opportunity for your dog to practice unwanted behaviours by setting them up for success in areas with fewer distractions or taking walks during quieter times of the day. Another great way to avoid unwanted tension on the leash is by lengthening the leash. Using an 8-10ft leash or a long line where it is safe to do so is a great way to encourage loose leash walking. Click here for walking gear and accessories.
Talk to your dog.
All sorts of cool science happens when you communicate with your dog. Body language, tone, and words are all involved in effective canine communication, and the more you talk to your dog, the stronger that communication becomes.
These techniques will help you reinforce your dog’s loose-leash walking skills, and you can put them into play with or without treats and toy rewards. However, a very influential part of training involves delivering a reinforcer to your dog when they perform your desired behaviour. The timing and delivery of an effective reinforcer require practice and a lot of repetition to perfect.
Above all, remember that dogs, unlike humans, don’t act in accordance with morality; they do not know right from wrong. As such, avoid punishing your dog when they choose undesirable behaviours – they don’t act with malicious intent. Punishment increases feelings of stress and anxiety, making your dog feel unsafe and confused. Training your dog with kindness and patience is vital to ensuring that the bond between you and your dog will grow. Canine behaviour is complex and multifaceted, so if you find yourself struggling, seek out a qualified professional for assistance.
Are you interested in our on-leash, force-free Dog Walking Services?
We are expanding our walking zone and will soon service Halifax’s West End. Click here to learn about our Dog Walking Services and to book your free assessment visit!