Teddy’s Top 10 Tips on Improving your Loose Lead and Off-Lead Walking

We all know that there are dogs with all kinds of behaviors, some are very well behaved and some just enjoy the chaos! They all have different reasons for this and come from different backgrounds so it’s important to remember not to judge others when out and about, a lot of the time the owners are trying to solve the problem but it can be hard if you don’t know how.

I have put together my top 10 tips hoping this will help some of you, they all based on my own experience.

1. Be consistent- Repetition is key with any training but especially with loose lead and off-lead training. I find following the same routine very helpful, even down to the times we go for a walk and the places we visit. If a dog is familiar with their surroundings, the less distracted they seem to get as they are used to the smells, the route, any other animals that may be present on the walk etc. so it allows you the time to focus on praising them for walking nicely, which in turn, should result in them understanding that if they walk well, they get praise and treats. This also applies to off-lead walking, it is important that before you do this, you are consistent in your commands, so your dog knows when to return to you, this is for their safety as well as piece of mind for other dog owners. You should never walk your dog off-lead without the correct training on a long-lead first.
2. Be clear in your expectations- The end goal will be different for everyone, some just don’t want their dog to pull too much, some want their dog to be completely regimented. Both are fine but your dog needs to understand what they are supposed to be doing. What is pulling too much for you?? If you don’t have the answer, you can’t expect your dog to know how to walk well on the lead. Give a clear sign when your dog is pulling too much and a clear sign when they are walking as you want them to, that way they understand what is right and wrong.
3. Teach your dog new skills in a familiar environment first- Teach your dog the concept of what you want in a place where there are no distractions. Start in the house, then in the garden before expecting the loose lead or off lead walking on a walk. Practice recall until you lose your voice, this is the key to off-lead walking safely.
4. Use rewards often- You wouldn't expect to work for nothing and neither does your dog. We all know they LOVE treats.
5. Get to know what motivates your dog- If you tried to reward me with salad when I was expecting chocolate cake, I would feel really disappointed and less likely to want to repeat the behaviour. What does your dog LOVE and want you to pay them with? It doesn’t always have to be food, sometimes they just want their favourite toy.
6. Reward your dog in the position you want them to be in- If you use the hand on the other side of your body your dog will creep around in front of you rather than walking by your side so ensure you have access to the rewards in a place that is next to where you want them to be, this will further help them understand what you want from them.
7. Start small- Remember what it’s like to learn new things yourself, then think about how you can break down the training to make it easier for your dog to grasp. Reward your dog for being at your side. Then reward for staying at your side for one step forward. Build the distance between you and your dog gradually.
8. Have realistic expectations- If your dog has pulled on the lead for the last year then don't expect to change that habit over-night. Their new skill needs to become a habit, and this will take time. Don’t get frustrated, remember, things take time.
9. Keep your self-motivated- Remember why you are doing it and what the end goal is. It can become frustrating If it’s taking quite some time but it will be worth it for those peaceful walks where your arm isn’t being pulled out of it’s socket!
10. Enjoy the Process- Having a dog is one of life’s luxuries, we don’t get a lot of time with them so be sure to enjoy the process of teaching them new skills and building a bond that is unbreakable.