Train Your Dog to Walk on a Lead

Ever wonder why experts teach you to have your dog walk on your left side? Well, there is a very good reason for this. When you walk facing traffic, the left side gives the dog some protection. Even without formal competition heeling, it’s always a great idea to teach that left side position.

You'll need a lead that is at least 4 feet long, but 6 feet is better. Put your right thumb through the lead loop. Take up most of the lead slack and fold it into the palm of your right hand. Put your left hand on the lead allowing a little slack to the collar. Your left thumb faces UP, and your right hand is turned in the same position -- thumb UP. Rather like holding a baseball bat.

Smile at your dog and say, "Let's go". Start walking forward at a reasonable pace - neither trotting nor dawdling. When your dog pulls, turn and walk purposefully in the opposite direction, and as you make the turn, let out all the slack from your right hand and slide your left hand all the way up. Do this in one motion - turn, let out the slack, and slide your left hand up. Dog will arrive at the end of the lead, and be suddenly aware that your paths have become very diverse. Ooooops! Don't look back and don't stop. Keep going. The very second he catches up with you, praise him! "Hey, Babe. There you are! Good dog!" Start over from the very beginning. You can get the lead in position again as you're moving forward.

You can call the dog's name as you make the turn, but please don't do that more than two or three times in the beginning. Otherwise the training will be for nought. It's his responsibility to know where you are and to stay with you on a loose lead. He'll figure that out quickly IF you're consistent and remember to always praise him for coming to your side. After awhile, it will simply be in his permanent memory bank. Our dogs have wonderful peripheral vision, so this is hardly a difficult task for them.

For those of you who stop dead in your tracks when your dog pulls, you're only teaching him to stop when you do. What you want to do is teach him to STAY on your left side as you're moving forward, and to do that without pulling. --Phyllis Thompson