The Best Way to Train Your Dog to Walk Better on the Lead: A Reward-Based Training Approach

At The Wagging Trail, we understand how challenging it can be when your dog pulls on the lead during walks. Whether you’re strolling through the beautiful countryside of Chalfont St Peter or making your way around Gerrards Cross, a dog who pulls on the lead can make even the most scenic walk feel like a tug-of-war match. Fortunately, with some patience and the right techniques, you can train your dog to walk calmly and politely on the lead—making walks more enjoyable for both of you.

In this blog post, we’ll share some top tips on how to train your dog to walk better on the lead using reward-based training—a positive, effective method that focuses on reinforcing good behaviour rather than punishing bad behaviour.

What is Reward-Based Training?

Reward-based training, also known as positive reinforcement, is a method that encourages your dog to repeat desirable behaviours by rewarding them when they do so. The rewards can be treats, praise, toys, or anything that motivates your dog. The key is to make walking calmly on the lead a behaviour your dog wants to repeat by associating it with something they enjoy.

Why Choose Reward-Based Training?

1. It’s Kind and Effective: Reward-based training builds trust between you and your dog, creating a positive experience. It helps your dog learn without fear or stress.

2. It’s Fun: Training becomes an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog, as it’s based on encouragement and praise rather than correction.

3. Long-Term Success: Because your dog learns through positive associations, reward-based training creates lasting habits that make walks more pleasant in the long run.

Steps to Train Your Dog to Walk Nicely on the Lead

1. Choose the Right Equipment

Before you begin training, it’s important to use the right equipment. a slip lead or collar, along with a non-retractable lead, can give you better control of your dog. Retractable leads can encourage pulling, so opt for a fixed-length lead to promote better walking behaviour.

2. Get Your Dog’s Attention

The first step it to get your dog to focus on you, first practice at home in a low distraction environment, put them on the lead and every time they look at you give them a treat to encourage them to always pay attention to you. Once you have nailed that at home take them to public places with more distractions and build up them focusing on you, the aim is they start to realise every time their attention is on you they are rewarded

3. Start in a Low-Distraction Area

Begin training in a quiet area, such as your garden or a peaceful street in Chalfont St Peter. This way, your dog won’t be distracted by other dogs, people, or exciting sights and sounds. Once your dog has mastered the behaviour in a calm setting, you can gradually move to more stimulating environments.

4. Use changes in direction

Start walking with your dog on a loose lead. If they walk beside you without pulling, immediately reward them with a treat, praise, or a favourite toy. Timing is important—make sure the reward comes right after the calm walking behaviour. This helps your dog associate the calm behaviour with something positive. when they start to pull off in front change direction, and keep changing directions, don't walk far just start of walking up and down, giving them a treat every time they are by your side or make eye contact

5. Use the "Stop and Go" Technique

If your dog starts pulling ahead, stop walking immediately. Wait until the lead is slack, then start walking again. The idea is that your dog learns that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere. When the lead is loose, you reward them with treats or praise. If they start pulling again, stop and repeat the process. Over time, your dog will understand that walking calmly gets them closer to their goal.

6. Increase Duration Gradually

As your dog gets better at walking on a loose lead, you can start to increase the duration of your walks. Continue rewarding calm behaviour, but be patient if your dog needs time to adjust. Remember, training takes time and consistency. This training will stimulate their brain and tire them out just as much as a long walk

7. generalise the Behaviour

Once your dog walks well on the lead in quiet environments, it’s time to practice in busier areas—such as around Chalfont St Giles or Gerrards Cross along the high streets. This will help your dog learn to walk politely despite distractions like other dogs, people, or traffic.

8. Use their food for training

Don't just put their food down in a bowl everyday, use feeding times as an opportunity for training, make them work for their food. If your dog is not particularly food driven then find some high value treats especially for training.

8. Rinse and repeat

Consistency is key in any training process. Practice regularly at least 20 mins a day, and always reinforce good walking behaviour. Everyone in the household should use the same commands and reward system so that your dog learns what is expected across different situations.

REPEAT, REPEAT AND REPEAT again....

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Punishing Pulling: Punishing your dog for pulling can create fear or confusion. Instead, focus on rewarding calm behaviour.

• Inconsistent Training: Inconsistent commands or rewards can confuse your dog. Stay consistent with your approach.

• Rushing the Process: Training takes time. Don’t rush your dog; be patient and understanding.

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Final Thoughts

At The Wagging Trail, we’re passionate about making walks enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. Reward-based training is a wonderful way to foster a calm, positive walking experience for your dog. With time, patience, and consistency, you’ll see improvements in your dog’s behaviour on the lead, making walks through Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles, and Gerrards Cross more relaxed and enjoyable.

We offer expert dog walking services and training advice to ensure your dog’s walks are as fun and stress-free as possible.

Happy walking, and don’t forget to bring the treats!