Leash Training a Dog

Leash training your dog can be easier than you expect if you use the right dog training accessory.

My first whippet showed me that leash training a dog was easier than I expected.

Our whippet pup arrived home after our much loved lurcher died of old age.

Nana, our late lurcher had been the companion of innumerable walks and horse rides, maid of honor at our marriage.

She had taught my children to walk, supporting them patiently while they were clutching at her coat.

To do all this she never needed any training to speak of, she seemed to be able to intuitively understand what was to be done. Walking nicely at my side came natural to her.

So when our new whippet pup replaced her in my daily walks, I had the shock of discovering that leash training a dog was a necessity.

Every few paces he would firmly sit down and refuse to move, making me turn back, kneel down and call him in an exhausting caricature of a stroll.

After a month, my whippet had effectively trained me to walk like a lunatic.

At that point I decided to take in my hands the style of our walks, I bought a choke collar and got ready for some heavy handling.

To my surprise as soon as I put on the puppy the new collar, he immediately got the idea and without further ado started walking at my side like any well mannered dog.

In case things don't go so smoothly, here are a few suggestions to leash training a dog in few easy steps.

To train your whippet to heel, first get a choke or training collar.

If your puppy freezes in place entice him with food. When he complies praise and reward. He will soon learn that following you has its rewards.

In case your dog lounges forward, don’t use the traditional training method of letting him pull ahead and then snap him back.

It is not fair to punish your dog if you haven’t shown him first what to do. Instead, give your whippet pup a few training sessions first.

Place him at your side on a short lead (in obedience classes the “heel” is performed on the left side) and while you walk talk to him and if necessary keep his attention with food treats. Reward when he keeps the “heel” position at your side.

Step 2

Progressing in the training you can start giving him a longer lead.

Only now, if he lounges forward, give a quick tug on the lead, place him back into position, and immediately release.

Step 3

If your dog still ignores all your efforts, turn unexpectedly. This will keep his attention and force him to stay a little further back in relation to your position.

When the training session is over, don’t forget to give your whippet puppy the release word (generally “OK”) and le him sniff around at his leisure as a well deserved reward.




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