Exercise is as vital to dogs as food and water. Regular dog walks improve their physical and mental health, leading to longer, happier lives. However, many dog owners avoid walking their dogs because they find that the dog is constantly pulling on the leash. To prevent pulling or tugging on the leash, dog owners must teach their dogs to walk on a loose leash.
What is slack rope training?
When walking on a loose leash, the goal is for the dog to walk at the owner’s side. Of course, when the dog approaches its owner, its leash is slack, and there is no tugging.
Why Training Loose Leash Walks are Better
In addition to the benefits of walking for dogs, such as improved health, walking on a loose leash will help teach the dog how to ignore distractions while walking. When dogs know how to avoid environmental distractions like sounds and smells, walks are more comfortable and often longer. Walking on a loose leash is suitable for everyone! It is also more comfortable for dog walkers to walk on a loose leash. Pulling on the leash can cause trips or falls if you walk your dog a lot. A well-behaved dog can keep you safe when off a leash.
How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash
Let us say you want to train your dog to use a slack leash; set aside at least 8 to 10 minutes each day for dog training. From there, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare to walk on a loose leash
If you are willing to use elastic for your dog, ensure you have a leash suitable for walking. Do not use retractable straps; use 6-foot nylon, leather, or biothane straps.
Before you leash your dog, clear a distraction-free area large enough for you to run around a few times. You should work indoors first to avoid uncontrollable distractions outside, and we want your dog to be set up for success. It would help to keep a bag of high-quality training treats handy.
Attach the leash to your dog’s collar or harness and stand beside your dog with only 30cm between you.
- Start walking on a loose leash
To start loose leash training, take a few steps forward and watch your dog react. If your dog follows you, reward them with a treat and praise them in a way he understands, such as “yes” or a tongue smack.
- Thread loosening training is more difficult
After at least one week of off-rope training, you can increase the difficulty of the off-rope training session. You can try this exercise first in different rooms in different environments, teaching the dog to walk on a loose leash in all settings, not just the living room. You can also start adding distractions when you are doing relaxation training.
Summary
Regardless of your dog’s age, you can train it to come off the leash faster if you practice walking it frequently and for short periods each day. However, if you train your dog on a loose leash 2 to 3 times daily, you can see results in as little as two weeks. For further information, visit good dog-academy.com/How-Long-Does-Loose-Leash-Training-Take.
