How to train your dog to walk on the lead

There are many ways and methods for training a dog to walk on the lead. Whilst some years ago those methods may have included more ‘punishment’ based practices (e.g. choke chain collars), these days the incentive-based methods are, quite rightly, more favored. Aside from which method is better for the dog, the incentive-based methods are also in my opinion, more effective. Here are some steps to follow for training your dog to walk to heel.


Choose your treats

When training for something new and relatively unnatural for the dog, it’s worth opting for a treat the dog will love. This could be small pieces of cheese, or chopped up tinned sausages, or some dog-specific treats. Whatever you choose, be sure that the dog is very motivated by them and when practicing your training you can tell that the treat is the most important item on the dog’s mind. If it’s not, try ‘upgrading’ your treats.


Establish the right starting positioning with your dog

Let’s assume that you want the dog to walk on your left side (it’s preferable to choose a side and stick to it at least until the dog has learned how to walk to heel, then you can train for the other side).

Stand with the dog on your left and the lead handle in your right hand so it hangs across/in-front of you. In your left hand should then be your dog treats. The lead really only serves the purpose of preventing the dog from running off (if it was so inclined) but actually, during this training, it will remain loose and looped down in front of you and attached to the dog’s collar.

Trial in a familiar and calm environment

It’s not wise to starts lead training on a dog walk. There are too many distractions to hinder the dog’s learning. Instead, start inside you house (if possible) or if not, in your own garden.

When you are stood with your dog in the correct position, begin to walk forward and use the treats in your left hand to encourage the dog to follow you at your side and too your pace. When they do, give them a treat (but continue to walk), if they don’t then stop, reestablish your starting position, and start again. Repeat this exercise ensuring that the dog doesn’t jump up for the treats or snatch them, but instead keeps to your side, looking up at you as you walk, waiting for their next treat to come. Doing this will soon train the dog that the correct walking will be rewarded and the incorrect walking will not. Do not tell your dog off as this can simply confuse and distract the dog. Keep calm and reward for the correct behavior and stop for the incorrect behavior.


Trial in short sessions whilst out on walks

Once you have practiced with your dog in the house and in the garden, you will probably find that they quickly pick up the correct behavior. Do bear in mind that this is in an environment where there are little or no distractions, your on-the-walk training will be the longest and require the most persistence.

As with your initial practice training, take your dog outside and repeat this process whilst on your dog walk. Don’t over-test the dog so they become bored or frustrated, instead, trial in short stints. Also, trial in different situations – e.g. on pavement, on grassy areas, alongside busy roads etc. The more variety the better.

Finally, a piece of advice that many dog trainers won’t tell you. Your dog is unique and therefore a mixture of its own personality and its breeding will affect how quickly and easily they learn to walk to heel. Some will learn it immediately, others will take months and others will go through phases when they are better or worse (e.g. at certain ages of adolescence or simply in certain circumstances). Dogs also mature at different rates, so some training make take longer than others simply because the dog (if they are a puppy) will require more practice until it sinks in. Do persist though – having lead control of your dog can make walks a lot more pleasurable.

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