How do I train my dog to walk beside me? Find Out Here

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Its now time to go out for the first walk. Grab the leash, give your command, and your pup should step right up. Hook him up and head out for a walk. If he behaves on the walk, give him lots of praise and a treat or two. Keep extending the walks until you can go anywhere with him without the need for any kind of treats.

It takes lots of practice to curb your pups natural desire to wander and sniff at absolutely everything, from the smallest blade of grass to the spot where the last dog to pass by marked his territory.

For the first stages of training your pup to walk beside you, use a standard-length leash. This will give you more control. Just dont let your pup drag you along and give him a little room to maneuver.

Now its time for you to choose your command words, try “walkies” or ” time for a walk”. Give your pup the command each time you attach the leash and give him a treat to reinforce the association between the command and the action.

In many ways, this is a lot like the “heel” command, but the behavior you want from your pup is not quite as restrictive. Instead of sticking to within a couple of inches of your leg, your pup will have a little more latitude in how much he can move around. While you can give him a little space, you should never let your pup pull on his leash.

Challenge Your Dog During Leash Training

  • While leash training a puppy, outfit your dog in a standard harness attached to a 6-foot leash.
  • Hold your dogs leash and toss a ball or treat 20-feet away from you and your leashed dog.
  • If he pulls toward the object, say “lets go” and turn and walk in the opposite direction. If he walks beside you while you walk towards the object, allow him to continue towards it until he reaches it and can take it as his reward.
  • At first, you might want to use a longer leash or a less desirable object to make this easier for him.

    • How to Reward Your Dog During the Walk

    After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

    Teach your dog to walk at your side