Using a leash to walk your dog is extremely important. A leash provides your dog with the protection they need to keep them from running away when going for walks, runs or other outings. Leashes help you control the behavior of your dog, and it’s important that you train your dog how to properly walk on a leash.
Dogs are not instinctively capable of walking on a leash without training. Most dogs will fight the leash by either biting at it, walking too fast to the point where they almost choke, or walking so slow that you are pulling them behind you. If you want to teach your dog how to properly walk on a leash, use the following tips.
Keep Walks Short
When you start to train your dog, you will need to have many training sessions to get them accustomed to walking on the leash. Instead of taking longs walks with your dog, take multiple short walks with them to get them accustomed to the leash. You may even want to take a few trots up and down your driveway to help them become familiar with the purpose of leash.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Exercise
Dogs tend to run and pull while on the leash because they’re trying to use up their energy. If you want to keep your dog from pulling on the leash, you need to ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Try walking them after they’ve had time to run around the yard or after you’ve played fetch in your home. When your dog is tired, they’ll be less likely to pull.
Use Treats
When your dog walks properly on the leash, be sure to reinforce this behavior with treats. Positive reinforcement is a great way to condition your dog to do what you want, so giving them plenty of treats when they walk with you will help them learn.
If your dog is hesitant to use the leash, try to entice them to walk with you by giving them a treat. Put the treat in front of them and allow them to walk on the leash to get to the treat. This will help keep your dog from being afraid of the leash and teach them that walking on it is natural.
Walk Quickly
When you’re taking your dog for a walk, it’s important that you try to walk quickly. When you walk at a fast pace, your dog will not be able to catch as many scents in the air, which will keep them 
from stopping all the time or trying to run after a smell. Plus, when you walk at a fast pace, your dog will not feel the need to mark their territory as often, which will also prevent you from having to stop and drag your dog away from the area. When you walk your dog at night, don’t forget to take necessary precautions to keep you and your dog safe.
Use the Right Collar
If you find that your dog walks too fast or too slow, walking on a leash could end up causing injury. This is why it’s extremely important to ensure you’re using the right collar, such as a harness, to keep your dog protected while walking on a leash.
