Some dogs can’t wait to go on walks, others not so much. But when it comes to walking on a leash, even the most excited pooches can show resistance.
Dog behaviorist and psychologist Steve Del Savio, who previously outlined one big mistake to avoid while introducing newborns to a dog, shares simple tricks to make your furry friend walk on a leash.
How to make a dog walk on the leash
Often dogs act out due to underlying issues, which need to be identified to fix their behavior. Your pooch’s resistance to walking on a leash can stem from different reasons, says the expert.
Motivate them
Even dogs find it difficult to perform basic tasks when lacking in motivation. It’s your job as a pet parent to make them want to go on walks using different methods.
The motivation could be in the form of food such as doggy treats, toys, or just verbal cues. Something as basic as: “Let’s go buddy, it’s time to go,” can condition and motivate your dog to go on walks whenever you say it.
Don’t ask
Steve says you should never ask your dog if it wants to go on a walk or follow it up with questions such as “What’s wrong?” or “Could you come with me?”
The questioning voice will not be viewed as a certain cue by your dog, which further demotivates it to go on walks.
Hold the leash correctly
Don’t hold the leash too close to the dog when it refuses to walk. You also shouldn’t pull on the leash and force them to walk.
“Instead, use the whole leash, face the other direction and just start to go,” he says. Your dog will automatically follow your lead.
Pressure and release method
It’s a common practice among dog walkers, to pull the leash harder when the dog resists walking. The expert advises against this.
He says if your dog refuses to walk at first, but moves a little, you shouldn’t continue pulling the leash because the pressure makes them resist.
“What you want to do is as the moment you start putting pressure and the dog starts to go, you release the pressure on the leash,” he explains. The release of pressure communicates to the dog what you expect them to do – keep walking.
Steve Del Savio is a dog psychology and behavior expert with over 15 years of experience. He is the Owner & Founder of Pack Leader Dogs, who has “turned his passion for animals and their behavior into a flourishing career in dog training,” according to the official website.
