No Leash Training Tips

Have you ever wondered about how nice it would be if you and your dog could go for an evening walk without the dog being on a leash? (Unless your community has a required-leash-law.) I bet you have as most dog owners would love to have a dog walk beside them without the need for the constant battle between the dog and you when he or she is on a leash. Today we will cover a few no leash training tips you can teach your dog so on future strolls you can leave the leash at home.

No leash training sounds like a difficult prospect doesn’t it? If you over complicate this it can be, so there are really only two areas we need to focus on. First is how well trained are YOU in using a dog leash correctly? Second is how well have you already trained your dog in behavioral obedience? If either one of these areas of prior training has not been completed, the situation does become more complicated. You are going to need to work on these two areas of training before beginning to walk your pooch without a leash. Let’s assume you and your dog are ok with these for now, and move on to the next step.

Start with your pooch in the sitting position and use a retractable leash for this drill. Use a retractable leash of at least twenty feet in length. Begin to walk away from the dog until the leash grows tight. As you are walking away from the dog continue to give him the command to sit and stay. If he gets ups begin again until you have reach the full length of the retractable leash. Now vary the direction you walk from the dog. Walk to his left and right side. Practice this with the dog until you are convinced he will remain in the sit and stay position until you give the release command.

Now begin working on the same behavior only this time you are going to be walking the dog. Allow him to move away ten to twenty feet and give him the come and heel commands. As he responds properly by returning to your side and heeling/sitting, offer plenty of praise.

This only works if you have already taught the dog a release command. This word tells the dog it is fine to get up from his sitting position beside you and walk beside you. The simple word “okay” works for us.

Try working on these no leash training tips and before long you and the dog will be able to walk anywhere without the need for a leash.

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