When you and your pet have developed a certain understanding and can easily get out of the house, there may be fresh challenges waiting outside.
Practice and Troubleshooting
Everyone hopes their dog is perfect, but there are likely to be some issues on the way to good leash manners. The ideal is to walk with a relaxed leash and no lunging or pulling. These troubleshooting tips will help when practicing.
Pulling
If the dog starts to pull the other way, stand still like a tree. Don’t move until the dog comes back to you. Don’t jerk or yank the leash, and don’t drag the dog. Remember tools like head collars and front-clip harnesses for problem pullers.
Lunging
If the dog lunges at something while walking, be prepared. Whether it’s another dog, a car, a person, or a cyclist, redirect the dog’s attention to you with a treat before the lunge. This needs close observation of the dog’s cues and behaviors and demands the dog’s attention. Be proactive.
Barking
Some dogs tend to bark at distractions when walking. This often comes from behavioral problems due to lack of exercise. Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation, and some breeds need more. Smart breeds get bored easily and react to outside stimuli if not exercised enough. If barking is still a problem despite enough exercise outside walks, like tug and retrieve games, handle it like lunging: create space and offer treats to distract before the dog barks.
Ideal Leash Manners
Loose leash walking is ideal for good leash manners. It needs vigilance from both the handler and the dog. It’s good for bonding as you both focus on each other. Good leash manners are important for safety. A poorly trained dog on a leash can be dangerous. Some dogs get stressed or aggressive when trained badly. Encourage ideal leash manners for everyone’s safety.
Leash manners are important in training your dog. Keep sessions short and frequent, and don’t tire your dog. Be consistent and make it clear that pulling is not okay. Do this every time. Walk fast during training to keep your dog focused and less interested in outside stimuli. Be consistent, be proactive, and enjoy the bonding time.