Relentless pulling, distractions, and even resistance to leashes happens when your dog isn’t leash-trained. This disobedient behavior of untrained dogs often turns simple walks into frustration. Your shouts don’t work, and sometimes, you impatiently punish your dog, but all in vain. You plan to train your dog but get stuck because you don’t know how to leash-train your dog.
Don’t worry — many dog owners face this challenge. But with the right leash-training techniques, dogs learn to walk calmly on a leash.
This article provides 4 practical tips from experts on how to leash-train your dog. Remember, the key to success isn’t just teaching them to walk beside you — it’s about building patience, consistency, and the right approach. From choosing the best leash to reinforcing positive behavior, every step shapes how your dog responds. A well-trained dog enjoys walks without stress, stays safe in unpredictable situations, and strengthens their bond with you.
Ready to transform your daily walks? Let’s read what our experts have to say and make leash training a success.
4 Practical Tips on How to Leash-Train Your Dog
- Prioritize Communication Over Control
- Use Positive Reinforcement
- Start with a Calm Environment
- Practice Patience and Consistency
Prioritize Communication Over Control
The biggest lesson I learned? Leash training isn’t about control—it’s about communication. You’re not dragging your dog around, and they’re not dragging you. It’s a conversation.
Here’s what actually worked:
- Chill Before the Leash Even Goes On – Most people leash up their dog while they’re still hyped. Big mistake. If your dog is overly excited, wait for them to settle. No movement happens until they calm down. Leash up without fanfare—no high-pitched “Walk time!!!” Just business as usual.
- You Set the Pace, Not the Dog – Step out like you mean it—you lead, they follow. Pulling? Stop dead. No yanking, no shouting. Just freeze. The second the leash relaxes? Move forward. They learn: Pulling = no progress. Calm = we go places.
- Reward Attention, Ignore the Chaos – The moment your dog checks in with you (eye contact, loose leash, walking at your side), reward it. If they turn into a sled dog? Stop. Reset. Start again.
- Short, Focused Walks Are Better Than Long, Frustrating Ones – 10 minutes of structured walking is more valuable than 45 minutes of frustration. If they’re pulling nonstop, cut the walk short and try again later.
- Your Energy Dictates Everything – Calm. Confident. Unbothered. If you’re tense, they feel it. You want your dog thinking, “This person knows where they’re going, I should follow their lead.”
- Biggest Takeaway: Stop making leash-walking a fight. Teach your dog that staying calm and connected with you is the fastest way to get where they want to go.
Jonathan Wells, Trainer, BetterDog
Start with a Calm Environment
I started by walking my dog in the house. It’s the most comfortable place for him with fewer distractions. I walked him in the house, and we worked on understanding leash pressure and basic directional changes. (turn left or turn right). I teach the dog the “right here” command, which signals him to stay right by my side. It is not a formal heel; it is more relaxed.
While teaching my dog leash pressure, we worked on keeping the dog’s nose behind my toes. That is where I want him to walk when on a leash. Once we got the hang of that and the dog was walking well, we went outside into my neighborhood and practiced the same thing. Now, the distractions were different, so it took a little more time. Later, I took my dog to other locations with varying distractions and foot traffic.
During all this training, I remained calm even if my dog wasn’t responding to commands. Why? Just because if I went into every situation worried or panicked, my dog would pick up on it. When we panic, we tense up and unknowingly put more tension on the leash. This excess tension can cause leash reactivity when encountering other dogs.
It is also important to find equipment that works well for your dog. My dog uses a Herm Sprenger Prong Collar when he walks. Not every dog needs the same tool—this is what works for mine.
Kehla Grow, Founder, The Tempered Dog
Practice Patience and Consistency
Training my dog to walk calmly on a leash took time, patience, and consistency. I used positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior, gradually increasing the distance and duration of our walks. The key takeaway is that progress comes with patience and trust; results happen when you focus on steady improvement. With the right approach, what once felt like a challenge became a peaceful and enjoyable experience.
George Kunatz, Owner, George’s Floofing Friends
Use Positive Reinforcement
It was a tough road training my dog to be calm on the leash, but it was definitely worth it! From the time he was a puppy, I started with short walks and only used positive reinforcement to encourage him. I would give him a tasty treat, praise, and a happy “Yes!” the moment he’d pass by me calmly, even for a couple of steps.
When he pulled, I stopped and waited for him to return before continuing. This is how I showed him that pulling would not get him where he wanted to go. Besides, we started our trials in places with fewer distractions and then moved to more challenging conditions as his skills got better. Consistency was of great importance because even on days when I was not up to it, I made sure I spent time with him in a short training session.
Beyond treats and praise, I made sure the leash and the collar were comfortable and fit well. This helped me build a positive association with the leash itself. At first, the dog only collected the leash, so I did not make much of it. I would then take him on short trips inside and praise him for quietly following. Thus, he understood that it was a good thing.
In addition, the most important thing about how to leash-train your dog is patience. Remember, training and fostering a dog takes time and commitment, and you will go through various stages. Each dog learns at its own pace, and you have to learn to celebrate the smallest accomplishments.
Amin M, UI/UX – Visualizer – Graphic Designer, Media Dunes
Final Words!
Learning how to leash-train your dog is an experience, and you got it!
Leash training isn’t about forcing obedience—it’s about trust, patience, and clear communication. By prioritizing calm environments, positive reinforcement, and structured walks, you set your dog up for success. While challenges may arise, consistency and the right training methods turn frustration into rewarding, stress-free walks. Keep in mind that every dog learns at its own pace, and your dedication makes all the difference. Stick with it, and you’ll soon enjoy peaceful walks with a well-trained dog by your side.
FAQs – How to Leash-Train Your Dog
- How long does it take to leash-train a dog?
Leash training varies by dog, but with consistent practice, most dogs improve within a few weeks.
- What type of leash is best for training?
A standard six-foot leash works best for training, offering control without excessive slack.
- Should I use treats for leash training?
Yes, positive reinforcement with treats helps reinforce good behavior and encourages learning.
- What if my dog refuses to walk on a leash?
Start in a calm space, use treats, and gradually build confidence with short, stress-free sessions.
- Can an older dog be leash-trained?
Absolutely! Older dogs can learn with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques.