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Leash training is essential for all dogs, ensuring their safety and that of those around them. However, mastering leash training can be challenging.
Dog ownership laws in the US vary by jurisdiction, with fines for not using the appropriate dog leashes. In the UK, a temporary law mandates dogs to be leashed near livestock or on open access land to protect wildlife.
Regardless of your location, leash training is crucial. Dr. Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com, recommends using the best dog harnesses, a lightweight lead, collar with ID tag, and tasty treats for effective training. The goal is to have a dog that happily walks beside you on a loose leash.
Dr. McCormack suggests the following tips for leash training a puppy:
1. Begin indoors without a collar, harness, or leash in a quiet area.
2. Reward your puppy with treats when they stay close to you.
3. Associate the space beside you with positive reinforcement.
4. Encourage your puppy to walk alongside you using treats.
5. Gradually increase walking distance, incorporate turns, and adjust speed.
6. If your puppy moves ahead, lure them back with a treat and continue.
7. Practice in different settings while keeping the training engaging with treats and praise.
Tips for introducing a leash and harness:
1. Allow your puppy to sniff and explore the harness first.
2. Use treats to guide your puppy through placing their head in the harness.
3. Gradually increase harness wearing time with treats before attaching a lightweight leash.
4. Practice walking with the leash on, repeating previous steps.
Dr. McCormack advises consistency when walking a puppy to prevent pulling on the leash. Address pulling behavior by stopping, calling them back, rewarding them, and continuing the walk. Breaking this habit may take time.
For additional guidance, learn about common loose leash walking mistakes and explore various dog leash options.
