5 vet-approved steps to train your dog to walk on a leash

There are few things more important to a dog’s wellbeing than a daily walk. Regular walks help to maintain your four-legged friend's musculoskeletal health, fitness and optimal body condition, and will also support their mental health by offering fun new smelling and socialisation opportunities. Best of all, walks can provide quality bonding time with their favourite person – you!

If your pup acts unpredictably while they’re on the leash, walks can become a source of stress and may lead to injuries for pet-parents and their pooches. To help you and your canine companion put your best feet forward when out and about, here’s five vet-approved steps for training dogs to walk calmly on a leash.

What is the best type of leash for your dog?

First things first – grab a sturdy leash (1.5–2 metres is the sweet spot) so your pup can sniff and explore when the coast is clear!

Retractable leashes are not recommended for a few different reasons. Firstly, they make it difficult to control your pet’s distance from you, which can be a major safety concern if an unfriendly dog approaches or your pet is near a busy road. Secondly, many an owner has had their hand or leg painfully 'flossed' by a speedily unreeling retractable leash string. Lastly, dogs can build a lot of momentum if they take off running before you manage to activate the leash length locking mechanism, and you may be yanked off your feet in the meantime (or have the leash pulled out of your hand). Keep this in mind when looking for a leash for your furry friend!

What items you need to train your dog on a lead

Harnesses are a great pick for pups-in-training, tiny adventurers, senior sidekicks, wiggly Dachshunds, and squishy-faced cuties like Bulldogs and Pugs. This is because these dogs tend to have more delicate necks and tracheas (windpipes), and therefore pressure from a leash can contribute to airway issues or spinal injuries.

In general, the best harness for your pet will be adjustable in a couple of areas, so you can ensure a secure and comfortable fit around both their chest and neck/shoulders. Ideally, the main load-bearing part of the harness should run in a 'Y-shape' just beneath your dog’s neck on either side and then down the front centre of their chest, rather than a horizontal strap across their shoulders (which can interfere with proper extension of their front legs).

Stronger pups may also be easier to train with a harness that has a leash attachment clip at the front of the chest, as well as the usual attachment clip at the top of the back/shoulders.

Collars should be an appropriate thickness to be sturdy and comfortable for your best mate's neck, so that they don’t cut in and are strong enough to withstand their weight should they ever pull against it. They should be fitted so that you can get one to two fingers underneath but tight enough so that it can’t slip off over their head.

On the other hand, choke chains (otherwise known as 'check collars') or prong collars should never be used. They can cause stress and pain to your dog and can lead to serious injuries.

Step 1: Get your dog comfortable with the leash

Leash training should start during your puppy’s peak socialisation period – this can be done indoors in the safety of your home, or in enclosed yards prior to your puppy completing their vaccination series. Early positive exposure to lead training, walking, and socialisation with other dogs will help your pup to feel relaxed and comfortable in these situations in the future – which is a win!

If your dog is already an adult, don’t worry; leash training can still be done at any age. However, if your pet shows anxious or reactive behaviours on walks or in other unfamiliar situations, it’s a good idea to chat with your vet regarding referral to a qualified trainer for desensitisation and counterconditioning training techniques and other supportive measures. This ensures that your pooch gets the best care during these really important stages of their life!

Step 2: Use reward-based training

It’s always recommended to use reward-based dog training, which is the most effective and humane way to teach your dog. This involves rewarding your dog with treats, praise or a favourite toy when they perform positive behaviours (to encourage them to repeat that behaviour in the future) and ignoring any unwanted behaviours. Treats should be 1cm squared pieces of a 'high value' food that isn’t likely to upset your pet’s tummy, such as dried chicken breast, dried beef liver, or a quality jerky designed for pets (e.g. plain dried lamb, kangaroo or beef).

Reward-based training improves the quality of the relationship between pet and owner because training sessions are fun and enjoyable – for both pet-parents and furry friends! Any training that involves aversive techniques, or verbal or physical punishment must be avoided, as not only does this fail to teach dogs how to behave, but it can also create anxiety and defensive aggression. It’s all about keeping your pooch comfortable during the process.

Step 3: Master loose leash walking

Pulling on a leash is a natural behaviour for most untrained dogs, as they are excited to explore the world and meet new friends. However, your pup needs to learn that they can still enjoy new sights and sniffs without dragging you about.

Start by training your dog or puppy to walk on leash by using an RSPCA-recommended technique called ‘loose-leash walking’. To do this, whenever your dog walks on the leash without pulling, reward them every few paces with a tasty treat and then continue walking. If your dog starts to pull, immediately pause and don’t continue until they return to your side. This teaches them that pulling behaviour means no walkies!

If your dog continues to pull despite this training, switch to training your dog using a front-attach harness rather than a collar. This way, you can leash your dog from the back and use the front end of the leash to turn them if they pull.

Step 4: Teach important commands

You can also use reward-based training to teach your dog to leave something alone, which is useful to prevent them from picking up potentially dangerous items on walks such as rubbish or a toxic plant. This involves teaching your dog a verbal cue such as 'leave it'.

Different trainers might use various techniques to teach this, but essentially it involves holding a treat in your closed hand, ignoring your dog’s attempts to nudge your hand to get the treat and then allowing them to take the treat when they move away from it slightly. Once your pup masters this trick, add a fun cue word, then use it like magic on your walks. And don’t forget the yummy treats, because good pups deserve great rewards!

Step 5: Practice recall for off-leash safety

The final chapter in the 'perfect walkies playbook' involves recall, which means teaching your pet to come back when called. This helps to keep them safe and will allow you to enjoy the option of off-leash walking in designated off-leash areas.

Start in a safe spot, like your backyard, and follow these fun, easy steps!

• Walk your dog on a long leash, call their name and run a few steps ahead
• When your dog runs to you, use the command “come” and offer a reward
• Increase the distance between you and your dog before you give the command
• Gradually move towards practising without the leash at home, and then in public areas where your dog may be distracted, using the leash
• When your dog’s recall is 80% reliable on a long leash with lots of distractions, progress to off-leash work in a quiet and secure designated off-leash area

Jumping straight into a busy park full of exciting distractions might send your pup zooming off on an adventure, which can be risky for them and stressful for you! Build up their skills gradually for safer, frustration-free fun.

It’s important to note that some dogs may find learning recall relatively easy (e.g. focused herding dogs such as Border Collies), whilst other pets may be more easily side-tracked (e.g. Beagles following a scent).

Consistency is key

When it comes to training your four-legged friend to walk properly on a leash, it’s all about repetition, rewards and patience. It’s common for dogs in the earlier stages of training to do well in calmer environments and then appear to forget everything when presented with an unpredictable distraction whilst out and about (e.g. another dog barking at them). However, if you find this to be an ongoing difficulty with your pet, chat with your vet for recommendations on an accredited trainer who can help.

Stress free walkies

Proper leash training takes patience, practice, and plenty of treats! While it’s normal for dogs to get distracted, always watch for any potential dangers.