Dog Training on a Lead
The Hardest thing to Train a Dog to do
Dog training on a lead is, in my view, one of the hardest things you ever need to teach a dog. Lead walking is working against the dog’s natural instinct. A dog naturally wants to pull against something holding him back.
People often ask if they should use a collar or a harness. There is so much to take into account with this decision. Wherever possible I think it’s best to walk a dog on a collar and lead, but only if you’re prepared to put the work. I takes a lot of time and effort to teach your dog to walk on a lead.
Teaching dog training on a lead takes time
Different harnesses will work better with different breeds.
Personally, I would never use a harness where the lead attaches at the back. If a dog pulls you with the lead attached to the back, they get their full body weight behind the pull. It also means, your dog is likely to be a good head and shoulders in front of you all the time. You wnat your dog walking by your side.
If you are going to use a harness, check out the front attachment options or double-ended lead options.
I have a Great Dane, and I use a front attachment harness, often with a double ended lead on the collar and the harness. That way he is mostly walking on the collar but should anything go wrong I have the support of the harness. It’s more for my peace of mind, and that’s important too as you don’t want your anxieties traveling down the lead.
It really is a matter of opinion and choice and dependent on breed. If you use a harness you do need to make sure the harness fits well. It needs to be is easy and comfortable to get on. On smaller breeds especially you need to make sure it’s not restricting their breathing.
Whatever you choose, dog training on a lead takes time and work
The dog lead
Your lead needs to be the right length. If there are several of you walking your dog and you are all varied height, you might find you need a couple of leads. You can get leads with rings that mean you can adjust the length.
Please, please, please don’t use an extendable lead. 
Extendable leads are dangerous, causing many accidents each year and they don’t give your dog any consistency. Check out a long training line for times when it’s safe for your dog to have more freedom but not safe for him to be off the lead.
Your lead should be long enough so the loop can be held at buckle level. You want a gentle loop between you and your dog when your dog is neatly at your side.
Take a bit of time to work out what works best for you and any one else involved then you can offer consistency to your dog or puppy.
Let the hard work begin – dog training on a lead
Always start your training in places of least distraction. If you have enough room in your house, no reason why you can’t start practising in the house.
Check out this video to give you an idea of how to get started.
If you want to teach your dog to walk well on a lead and need some help, do get in touch. We’re here to help and we understand how hard it is, how badly it can go wrong and all the frustrations that go with it. BUT, we also understand the joy and pleasure when you’ve got it sussed.
Training your dog takes time. Life so often get in the way and it can all fall apart. Why not have a look at our Dog Boot Camp. Spend quality time with your dog for a whole day or even two days. Stop life’s interruptions. Have fun learning with your dog.
