Our puppies and dogs can’t stay at home forever. They need to step outside and fulfil their need to explore. The great outdoors are always calling but sometimes, it can be difficult to match our dog’s pace. 

Leash walking is a skill - one that a pet parent develops over time. So if you’re just starting your dog’s leash walking journey and you’re struggling a bit, don’t worry! We all start somewhere. 

Here’s a compact leash walking guide with basic dog walk training tips that will hopefully help you and your dog with safer and happier walks together. 

What does leash mean to a dog parent? Is there a right leash to choose? 

At Heads Up For Tails, we believe that a dog leash is more than just a piece of cloth that you attach to your dog’s harness. It’s a way to keep your dog safe at all times. It is a medium that connects you to your dog as you head outdoors. And it’s a symbol of trust that communicates to our dogs - “I’m with you and I’ve got your back”. 

Which is why choosing the right leash before you start leash walking is extremely important. There are different kinds of leashes for different kinds of walking: 

1. Nylon leashes are lightweight, comfortable and easy to walk with. 
2. Leashes with a padded handle prevent blisters on your hands.  
3. Double leashes for 2 dogs are perfect as walking two leashes can be a bit of a task. 

We recommend walking your dog with a dog harness instead of a dog collar. A dog harness has several advantages:  

1. It doesn’t put pressure on your dog’s neck. 
2. It evenly distributes your dog’s body weight while walking 
3. It’s designed to withstand strong pulling on the leash. 

What’s often unknown is that choosing your dog leash and harness is extremely important before you start teaching your dog to walk on leash. Your dog’s brilliant and smart mind will associate all of their walk experiences with that particular leash. You can also get different leashes for walks, hikes and trips. This will help you understand how your dog forms associations with everything they own! 

Importance of leash training your dog

But why do we need leash training with our dogs? Why can’t we simply pick up a leash and head out to walk our dogs? This is because a leash is an essential part of your dog’s safety when heading outdoors. It prevents them from running into dangerous situations such as wandering away onto a busy road, chasing other animals or losing their way from you. 

Aside from safety, a leash is a great way to communicate with your dog. Every nudge and tug on the leash has a meaning and with practice, our dogs too will understand what it means. During walks, you have the perfect opportunity to reinforce positive behaviours. This positive interaction can help build mutual trust and give your dog an opportunity to release any pent-up energy and rejuvenate their minds with some much-needed mental stimulation. 

HUFT Tip: We recommend that your pet always wear an updated and personalised ID tag on their harness before going for a walk.

Introduce your dog to the leash 

If your puppy or dog has never been introduced to a leash before, it’s important to not skip this part. Let your dog use their curious sniffer snout to get used to the scent of the leash. Let them play with it and get comfortable with its presence. Once they’re done, reward them with a lot of dog treats. This will help your furry family member associate a positive emotion with the leash. 

The next step is to attach the leash to your dog’s harness and let them drag it around at your home for brief periods of time. Once they’ve made themselves comfortable with the leash’s slight weight, reward them with treats again! This helps them get used to having something attached to them and at the same time allows them to explore their surroundings without restraint. 

How to stop your dog from biting on the leash

Now that your dog is comfortable with the leash, it’s time to walk with a leash! Here are a few basic leash walking tips to get you started on this journey: 

7 basic dog leash walking tips 

1. Choose your path carefully

During training, it's natural for dogs to be distracted by things like squirrels, cars, or cats. For your first leash walk, we recommend finding a quiet, low-distraction area to walk your dog. This will help your furry friend stay focussed and learn your commands with full concentration.

2. Check the weather

The weather can severely affect your dog’s mood to be trained. During summers, try to schedule your leash training sessions during the cooler parts of the day such as early morning or late evening. Always bring your dog’s drinking water and treats with you on walks. 

3. Start slow, grow more

Keep your initial leash walking sessions short, depending on how your dog is reacting to the session. If your dog seems disinterested, let them relax and try again another day. As your furry companion becomes more comfortable walking next to you with the leash, you can gradually increase the length and frequency of your walks. Your dog’s individual personality, energy levels and health can determine how your session might go. 

4. Use a short leash until you’re confident

Dogs and puppies will often want to explore on their own and wander off. This can be a threat to their safety. While a long leash will give your dog more space to walk, a short leash will help you keep your dog close to you and give you a bit more control over your dog’s movement. There are leashes with a quick restraint handle that can also allow you with a better grip in emergencies. Remember to keep the handle short and not too tight to avoid discomfort for your dog. 

5. Avoid pulling on the leash

Dog pulling on the leash is normal. But it’s important that you do not pull on the leash too hard. This can cause your dog to develop a negative association with leashes from an early age. For our dogs, the leash shall turn into something evil that’s hindering their movement. Our purpose with leash training should be to enable our dogs to explore as much as they’d like to, while staying safe. 

Stay relaxed as your dog will pick up on your energy. If your dog pulls on the leash, immediately stop walking. Turn and start walking in another direction. By using treats, call out to your dog and distract them. Through this step, this is what you’re communicating to your dog - “Hi, I know you wish to run after that bird and this leash can feel restricting. But how about instead of pulling on the leash, you come along with me and I shall reward you with something even more interesting - treats!”

6. Reward them with tons of treats instead 

Positive reinforcement is a tried and tested way of teaching our dog something while simultaneously showering them with love and eventually creating a much, much deeper bond with your furry companion. Rewarding your dog with treats and praising them when they get something right can encourage them to walk by your side happily. If they make a mistake, do not punish them. By doing so, not only are you choosing a kinder way, you are strengthening your beautiful bond with your dog. 

7. Be patient 

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Developing an understanding and a rhythm while leash walking your dog can take time. It can be frustrating and time consuming but it’s important to remember that our dogs pick up on our energies and feelings. Our dogs can read our body language. Hence, it’s important for us to stay calm and stay consistent with our training. 

Our dogs also take in the world around them through their sense of smell. While outside, let your dog sniff around as much as they want. Sniffing is a great way for our dogs to engage their minds and explore the outdoors. Even 10 minutes of sniffing is a great mental exercise that’s equal to 1 hour of physical exercising!

And there you have it. All the basics you needed to know about leash walking your dog! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What to do if you’re approached by a dog while you’re walking your dog?

While walking outdoors, there shall be many instances where you might run into another pet or a streetie. Some might wish to be friends with your dog while some would not enjoy new people and dogs in their territory.  

In such a situation, it’s best to tell your dog to sit. It’s a way to say - “Hey, I’m not a threat!”. The other dog then should maintain their distance as your dog sits. If this doesn’t work, avoid walking on the same trail the next day and explore a new route instead. 

2. Why is leash training important for dogs?

Leash training is important for dogs as it helps ensure their safety while outdoors. They’re a great way to notice and observe your dog’s likes and dislikes. A pull or a nudge on the leash is also a way to communicate with your dog. Moreover, it also helps create a deeper beautiful bond that you share with them! 

3. What kind of leash should I use for my dog?

A strong and durable leash is important for leash training. There are multiple leashes such as nylon leashes, 6-way leashes and leashes with a quick restraint handle that can help you with your different walking styles. If you have a small dog, a standard leash should be sufficient. However, if you have a big dog who is also a small puller, then a sturdy leash and a strong harness is extremely crucial. 

4. How long should I walk my dog?

There is no single answer to this. The duration of time you walk your dog on a leash depends on their age, breed, and activity level. Generally, dogs should be walked for at least 30 minutes a day, but some breeds may require more exercise. If you see your dog walking around being restless, then it might do them some good to have a good walk. 

5. How can I stop my dog from pulling on the leash?

Dogs will pull if they wish to. If your dog pulls on the leash, immediately stop walking. Turn and start walking in another direction. By using treats, call out to your dog and distract them. Try using a no-pull harness. Be consistent with your training and use positive reinforcement and in no time your dog will learn how to walk calmly on a leash. 

6. Should I use a retractable leash for my dog?

While retractable leashes can be convenient, they can also be dangerous for both you and your dog. They give your dog too much freedom and can easily tangle or break. It's advisable to stick with a standard nylon leash for the safety of you and your dog.