Leash Basics: Help Your Dog Learn to Walk With You
A walk is one of the best parts of a dog’s day — a chance to explore, sniff, exercise, and spend time together. But for many dogs, walking politely on a leash is a skill they have to learn.
Whether you have a new puppy, an adult rescue, or a foster dog who has never had leash training, remember: a leash is not a steering wheel. It is a communication tool.
The goal is not to force your dog to walk perfectly beside you every second. The goal is to teach your dog that staying connected with you makes good things happen.
Start With the Basics: Collar, Harness, and Leash
Before heading out, make sure your dog is comfortable with their equipment.
Choose a properly fitted collar or harness
Make sure your dog can move comfortably
Use a standard leash (many trainers recommend avoiding retractable leashes during early training because they can make teaching leash skills harder)
For dogs who pull, a front-clip harness can sometimes help reduce pulling while you teach better habits.
Step 1: Teach Your Dog That the Leash Means Good Things
For a dog who is new to leash walking:
Put the leash on inside the house
Reward calm behavior
Let them walk around while supervised
Practice following you for a few steps
You want your dog thinking: “Leash on = fun and rewards.”
Step 2: Reward the Position You Want
Dogs naturally move faster, slower, and in different directions because the world is full of interesting smells.
Instead of constantly correcting your dog, teach them where you want them to be.
Try this:
Start walking
When your dog is near you with a loose leash, reward
Repeat often
Your dog learns: “Staying close to my person pays off.”
Step 3: What To Do When Your Dog Pulls
Pulling is rewarding because dogs often get where they want to go — the tree, the smell, the other dog, the exciting thing ahead.
Try:
Stop walking when the leash becomes tight
Wait for the leash to loosen
Continue forward
The lesson: a tight leash does not move me forward; a loose leash does.
Avoid turning every walk into a battle. Dogs learn faster when they understand what earns them success.
Step 4: Teach Check-Ins
A great walking dog is not one that never looks away — it is one that remembers you are there.
Reward your dog when they:
Look back at you
Walk near you
Respond when you say their name
These small moments build attention and connection.
Step 5: Sniffing Is Part of the Walk
Sniffing is not a distraction — it is how dogs experience the world.
Consider having two types of walks:
Training walks:
Shorter walks focused on practicing leash skills.
Sniff walks:
Relaxed walks where your dog can explore safely.
A dog who gets appropriate opportunities to sniff is often more satisfied and easier to manage.
Common Leash Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
Letting your dog practice pulling every day
Constantly repeating commands without rewarding success
Using the leash to drag your dog away from something scary
Expecting a newly adopted or foster dog to immediately understand house rules
Many foster dogs are learning an entirely new world. Give them time to build confidence.
Recommended Training Videos
Kikopup — “Loose Leash Walking” - Emily Larlham demonstrates positive reinforcement methods for teaching dogs to walk calmly without constant leash corrections. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CVv_aeY9RP0?si=iBqTbA7Rb--mtt5s
Final Tip: The Best Walks Are Built, Not Born
A dog pulling on a leash is not being stubborn — they are doing what works for them. Your job is to show them a better option.
With short practice sessions, consistency, and rewards for the behaviors you want, most dogs can learn that walking together is the best part of the adventure.
Sources:
American Kennel Club — Leash Training: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/leash-training/
American Kennel Club — Dog Training Basics: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/basic-training/