Obedience Lessons Getting Started Sit Come Stay Lie Down Wait Walk on a Leash Better Go Now Off Stand Leave It Watch Me Be Gentle Move, Please Home

Walk on a Leash

Going for a Walk

Dogs love to go for walks, but they don't want to be pulled and tugged. Teaching your dog how to walk without pulling will help both of you to enjoy your time together.

 

Dogs were the first animals domesticated by people.

Fido's Fabulous Dog Facts

Leash training for puppies:

• Start by attaching a light-weight leash to your puppy's collar.
• Drop the leash and let the puppy drag it around.
• Call your puppy, tell her "good girl", hug her,
  and pet her...whatever feels good to both of you.
• Leave the leash on for only a few minutes and
  never leave it on her when you are not with her.
• Do this several times over a few days and pretty soon
  your pup won't even notice the leash.

Walking on a leash:

First, you need a 4 foot leash and a collar that won't slip off. Start by having your dog sit on your left side facing front just like you. As you say "Let's go", take a step starting with your left foot. Using your left foot all of the time will signal your dog that you are about to walk. Walk at your normal walking pace and talk to your dog while you walk. Tell her what a good girl she is. You want her to be happy walking with you. Keep talking to her. Make it fun. Go a few feet, then stop. You can praise her now. Or you can have her sit and then praise her...as long as she stays with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip!
It's best to teach new things in quiet places
where your dog can concentrate on you.
If your dog still is not paying attention,
try getting her to focus using her favorite treat.

 

 

Here are some things that are fun and help your dog
to pay attention. They're best to do after your
dog understands how to 'walk on a leash'. If you like,
bring along some treats.

Activity #1
As you are walking, call your dog's name and then say,
"Come!" Your dog should turn around and walk
towards you. Immediately, start walking backwards,
gathering up the leash as your dog gets closer to you.
Let your dog catch up to you and praise him.

Activity #2
During your walk, gently turn around and go the opposite direction
calling your dog so he goes with you. You will now be walking
in the opposite direction, both going the same way. You can
do this many times so he learns to go wherever you go.

Activity #3
While walking, make unexpected left turns, right turns,
zigzags. Praise your dog.

Activity #4
While walking, go fast, slow, and then back to normal pace.

All of these things not only make walking fun, but keeps the dog's attention on you.

Walking your dog is good for your dog and good for you. Walking keeps both of you healthy and your bones strong. Spending time with your dog is important. The more your dog knows you, the better he will understand what you want. Take a walk everyday, even if it's for just a couple of minutes. If your dog is too strong for you, invite your parents to come along. Have a nice walk!

Obedience Lessons

Getting Started

Sit

Come

Stay

Lie Down

Wait

Walk on a Leash

Better Go Now

Off

Stand

Leave It

Watch Me

Be Gentle

Move, Please

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