Lead Training

1. Choosing the Right Equipment

• Leash: Start with a standard 4–6 ft leash. Retractable leads are usually not recommended for training.

• Collar or harness: A front-clip harness can give more control and reduce pulling. Avoid choke chains or prong collars for beginners.

• Treats: High-value, small treats that your dog really loves.

2. Teaching Loose-Leash Walking

• Start indoors: Keep the first sessions in a low-distraction environment.

• Stop-and-go method:
  Begin walking.
  If your dog pulls, stop immediately.
  Wait until the leash is slack and your dog returns attention to you, then continue walking.

• Reward attention: When your dog walks calmly beside you, give treats and praise.

3. Use a Marker

• Say a word like “yes” or use a clicker the moment your dog is walking nicely. Then give a treat. This helps your dog associate the behavior with a positive outcome.

4. Turn and Change Direction

• If your dog pulls, turn around, by crossing your dogs path with the leg closest to the dog and walk in the opposite direction. This teaches them to pay attention to your movement rather than just running forward.

5. Gradually Increase Distractions

• Move to busier areas once your dog is consistent indoors and in quiet outdoor spaces. Reward focus amid distractions.

6. Keep Sessions Short

• 5–10 minutes, multiple times a day. Dogs learn faster in short, frequent bursts rather than long sessions.

7. Consistency is Key

• Everyone in the household should follow the same rules and commands to avoid confusing the dog.

Day 1–2: Indoor Focus Training

• Keep your dog on a leash indoors.

• Walk around the house slowly.

• Stop when the leash becomes tight.

• Wait for your dog to look at you or step back toward you.

• Reward immediately with a treat and a verbal marker (“Yes!”).

• Repeat for 5–10 minutes, 2–3 sessions/day.

Day 3–4: Short Outdoor Walks

• Go to a quiet backyard or quiet street.

• Use the stop-and-go method: stop when the leash is tight, move when it’s slack.

• Reward attention frequently.

• Practice turning directions randomly to keep your dog paying attention.

Day 5–7: Add Simple Distractions

• Introduce mild distractions (neighbors walking, cars passing at a distance).

• Reward your dog for maintaining attention on you.

• Continue short 5–10 minute sessions, multiple times per day.

Week 2: Reinforcing Skills and Gradual Challenge Increase

Goal: Maintain loose-leash walking and focus in more distracting environments.

Day 8–10: Longer Walks

• Gradually increase walking duration to 15–20 minutes.

• Reward frequently for walking calmly beside you.

• Practice frequent direction changes.

Day 11–12: Moderate Distractions

• Walk in slightly busier areas (parks, quiet sidewalks).

• If your dog pulls, stop immediately or change direction.

• Reward calm walking, even if only for a few steps.

Day 13–14: Real-Life Scenarios

• Walk in busier areas with multiple distractions (other dogs, joggers, noises).

• Use treats for focus and walking beside you.

• Keep sessions short to avoid frustration.