Polite Leash Walking
Dogs pull on leash because they haven’t been taught differently. It’s up to pet owners to positively teach dogs polite leash manners, and it’s actually much easier than most pet owners think. All you need are: a clicker (or marker word), 4-foot nylon leash, body harness, your dog and lots of super yummy treats. These tips will help your dog learn polite leash manners in no time!
What are Polite Leash Manners?
Polite leash manners are when dogs are able to walk on leash without pulling. This behavior is different than “heel” in that a dog is able to walk around his pet owner and sniff. Heel is very formal, which requires the dog to walk next to his pet owner’s right leg. Polite leash manners let dogs explore while staying close to their pet owners.
Choosing Dog Training Treats
Using super yummy treats will greatly increase your chances of success. Treats are your dog’s paycheck for a job well done, so reward generously. Use baked chicken, cheese cubes, hot dogs or deli meat as rewards. These treats won’t upset your dog’s tummy if given in pea-size bites during training sessions.
Also, giving your dog human food won’t teach dogs to beg. Dogs learn to beg when people give them food from their plates. 🙂
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My Dog Pulls Like a Freight Train
This is common, especially with larger dogs that have learned to pull on leash. Leash pulling is dangerous because strong pulling dogs can easily knock their pet owners over. If your dog pulls, try using a front clip harness. This piece of equipment will give you control during walks until your dog learns polite leash manners.
One Step at a Time
Teach your dog polite leash manners slowly until your dog understands that walking on a loose leash is rewarding. Practice indoors and start by taking one step forward and wait until your dog stops pulling on the leash. Many pet owners are so used to their dogs pulling on leash that they have a hard time understanding when to reward their dogs.
Zone in on the pressure of the leash in your hand instead of the dog’s position to you. When you feel any tension on the leash, stop and wait for your dog to release this pressure. The moment you feel this pressure release, say “yes” and give your dog a treat reward.
Pro tip: Hold your dog’s earned treat next to your leg, so he returns to you for his treat. Feeding your dog earned treats next to your leg teaches your dog that hanging around you is rewarding.
Practice taking one step forward at a time while waiting for a loose leash (i.e. no leash pressure) and always reward generously. It’s best to practice for 10 single steps forward (10 times to practice good behavior) each day. Soon, your dog will learn that a loose leash pays well!
Take 3 Steps Forward
Take 3 steps forward and wait. Usually, most dogs will pull at first, but wait for a loose leash. Say “yes” the moment you feel leash pressure release and reward your dog. If your dog doesn’t pull on the leash during and after taking 3 steps forward, immediately click and reward good behavior. YAY!
Continue practicing for 1-2 more minutes, then end the training session. Once you’re able to walk around your home or backyard, with minimal leash pulling, it’s time to practice one step at a time in your neighborhood. Remember, neighborhoods are distracting, so take a step back to set your dog up for success. Practice daily for 1-2 minutes, then end your training session.
Reward Good Behavior Every 4 Steps
Once your dog learns to walk politely on leash, it’s important to continue rewarding good behavior or you’ll lose it. Pet owners get into a groove and forget to reward their dogs for good behavior, so set up a strategy for success.
Bring treats along during your walks, and reward your dog every 4 steps for a week. During walks, stopping and rewarding your dog after 4 steps forward provides a high rate of reinforcement and a reminder to pet owners to reward good behavior. In the following week, reward your dog every 5 steps and so on. When rewarding your dog, mark your dog’s good behavior and hold his earned treat next to your pant leg.
Give Dogs Plenty of Sniffing Time—With One Rule
Sniffing opportunities are a vital part of walks. They’re an excellent form of mental enrichment and a great reward for good behavior. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, and they really enjoy sniffing where bunnies were playing or dogs posted “pee” social media mail. Dogs should have plenty of sniffing opportunities, but with one rule.
If your dog pulls you toward a certain spot, stop and wait for your dog’s leash to loosen. The moment you feel slack in your dog’s leash, start walking toward your dog’s sniffing spot. Once your dog is done sniffing, continue your walk.
Polite leash manners are a learned skill, so practice and reward often to maintain it!
My 4 year old Golden Retriever walks beautifully around the neighborhood, but when I take her to more exciting, different places, she pulls terribly. She does not respond to any treats, and I’ve tried the most appetizing treats. She just does not pay any attention to me but instead pulls towards every new thing. My shoulders are in horrible shape as a result, and I don’t know how to handle this anymore. The only thing that works is the Gentle Leader but I hate putting it on her because I know it’s not really teaching her not to pull. And I don’t want to be confined to the same place to walk. I’ve worked with several trainers, most of which have used choker chains on her. She failed therapy testing because she pulled me during the final test after doing so well during 6 weeks of therapy training. Any suggestions that could preserve my shoulders but also teach her to not pull in new situations?
Hey Arlene! Teaching polite leash manners takes time, especially with very excited dogs. I like a GL, it gives you a bit of control until she learns how to walk politely on leash. Honestly….. from a dog trainer’s perspective, it takes MUCH longer than 6 weeks to teach therapy dog skills. It takes at least 6 months, due to a high distraction environment.:) Yeah, stay away from choke and pinch collars, they don’t work and will cause severe neck issues. If your dog refuses treats, she’s overstimulated, so take a few steps back. Practice leash manners in different areas, but make sure other dogs and people are not present (it’s too much now). If she pulls, stand still and wait for her to return to you. Keep your leash short, if using a GL. Take baby steps forward, and only when she’s ready. Keep at it!