DEAR PET TALK: I don’t know how to walk my dog on a leash. Is it okay to pull the dog? My father told me I should pull the leash up sometime when the dog doesn’t listen so it chokes the dog but that looks cruel to me. How do you hold the leash? -Want to Walk the Dog
DEAR WANT TO WALK THE DOG: You are absolutely correct — pulling the leash up so the dog feels its windpipe squeezed is wrong and cruel. If that is your method, your dog will learn that when you use the leash, she will feel pain. This means she won’t want to learn how to walk with you.
First — make sure you have a leash the right size for your dog. Whether your dog is medium, large, or small, a six-foot nylon leash is the “industry standard.” Avoid at all costs the horrible retractable leash that has inexplicably grown more popular. Those items are plastic handles with a thin cord on a spool and a clip.
Here’s what your dog learns if they are clipped to that leash: nothing. Your dog doesn’t have to listen to voice commands; they know they can run where they want. Those leashes are dangerous for your dog (who can run into traffic), a bystander (who can be easily tangled and have their legs abraded by a fast-moving canine), or yourself. The plastic handles can easily slip from your hands after a brisk walk, and then your dog is loose.
I recently spoke to someone who used that style of leash. They nearly had their finger amputated because their dog darted quickly and they didn’t have control. In fact, those retractable leashes come with labels saying amputation and bruises are a possibility! How is it that these are still being made when lawn darts and plastic “clackers” were banned long ago?
So, step one is to get your dog used to a six-foot nylon leash. Put it on her while she is still in your home. If she wants to chew the leash, gently persuade her not to by keeping it in your hand. Once your dog is used to the leash — and doesn’t view it as a toy — you are ready to start some “loose leash walking.”
Give a command, like “let’s go,” and start walking. If your dog pulls at the end of the leash, stop walking and stay in place. Your dog needs to learn that the leash must be loose if you are going to walk together.Then start moving forward.
When you walk your dog outside, there will be a lot of competition for her attention (squirrels, interesting smells, other dogs). Get in the habit of keeping eye contact with her throughout this process. Anytime she looks at you, say “good dog” or give her a treat.
Have patience for this phase of training, which will provide an interesting life for your dog (outside exercise and exciting smells!). Remember, you and your dog are a team. Her job is keeping the leash loose, and your job is to teach her how to walk together.
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Send questions to sallycragin@gmail.com
