 Talk this way, Walk this way..........
I have some tips.........first, put the leash handle in your right hand, and let hang across your body off your left hand. If you are short, choose a shorter leash or tall choose a long leash - but either way the leash should drop down like a plumb line to the harness with just a little big of slack once the dog is walking correctly next to you. Second, if the dog pulls or puts nose to ground, stop walking and correct their position. If the leash is the correct length, the dog will have to stand right next to you. Keep a gently taut leash and don't walk until they conform. If the dog is allowed to pull or go nose to ground they are getting what they do instinctually and will continue but they will learn that what they really want is to walk and will conform. Third, if you can, walk a little faster so the dog has to keep pace. When they have a good stride, gradually slow to normal pace. The reward for the dog is walking along with slack leash that is plumb from your side down to the harness. I prefer "exercise finish" - genuine vocal praise and a scratch behind the ears to food treats because a confused pup will be looking for food instead of walking correctly.
Funny anecdote. We had a mini-dachshund that our daughter was training through a 4-H dog group. Typical untrained mini liked to do all the assertive wrong things. First day in the group circle learning to walk on leash, the dog tried to act the fool until she saw the German shepherd in front of her and the Doberman behind. She fell right into line. It was very instructive! She learned to walk on leash in one rotation. |