How to Train Me (Your Dog!) to Walk Like a Pro
- Lisa Fasold
- May 4
- 3 min read
Woof, human! Guess what? I want to learn how to walk nicely with you—it’s just that sometimes there’s SO much going on outside that I get distracted. But don’t worry, with a little patience and the right steps, we can conquer leash training together. Here’s how you can help me become your paw-fect walking partner:
1. Start Indoors
Before we hit the big, wild outdoors, start where there are fewer distractions—like inside your home or even your backyard. Attach my leash and practice walking around calmly by your side while there’s nothing too exciting to sniff. Reward me when I stick close to you!
2. Step Outside to a Quiet Area
Once I’ve nailed walking inside, take me to a quiet street, a park during a calm time, or your driveway. Keep rewarding me when I focus on you and follow your pace. If I pull on the leash, stop walking and wait for me to come back to your side before continuing. Consistency is key!
3. Practice in Busy Areas
When I’m ready for the big leagues, we can practice in areas with more distractions, like a park full of squirrels or busy sidewalks. Start with short walks and keep reinforcing good behavior with treats and praise. Stay patient—I promise I’ll figure it out!
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
I love treats (hint hint)! When I do a great job walking nicely, reward me with a bite-sized snack, a pat on the head, or a cheerful “Good boy!” It motivates me to keep being awesome. Stock up on yummy treats like Cloud Star Chewy Tricky Trainers Salmon Flavor Dog Treats—trust me, they’re delicious.
5. Keep the Leash Loose
A tight leash makes me feel tense and might cause me to pull more. Instead, keep the leash slack but still short, and encourage me to stick close to you naturally. It’s all about teamwork!
6. Be Patient with Me
Learning takes time, and I might have days when I just can’t seem to focus. Don’t worry—it’s normal! Just stay calm and consistent. When you’re patient, I feel safe and ready to try again.
7. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Walk
Walking together should be fun! Keep things light and stress-free for both of us. We’re working as a team to build a stronger bond, one step at a time.
Must-Have Tools for Training Me
Here’s what my human uses on our walks:
Harness. Mine is from Rabbitgoo. It keeps me comfortable without pulling. Note, I can slip out of this harness if you’re not paying attention. It's not foolproof, but I am stubborn when it comes to reading the latest pee-mail at a fire hydrant.
Leash. My human likes a hands-free one so that she can multitask or keep her hands in her pockets when it’s cold outside.
Poop Bags: Consider the eco-friendly ones from Greener Walker. They’ve made from corn and biodegradable. My human says they’re a little tougher to open quickly, so she’ll prep a few bags to already be open and in her pockets before we start on our walks.
Treats: Trainers: In another blog post later this month, I’ll discuss how you can make your own treats. But from drool-worthy training treats which are super healthy, my favorite is Cloud Star Chewy Tricky Trainers which are salmon flavored. I also like pumpkin biscuits.
Together, we’ll turn leash walking into our favorite activity. Happy training, human—now grab your dog supplies, and let’s hit the road (or carpet for lesson one)!
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