Common Mistakes To Avoid During Leash Training
Mar 6, 2025
Leash training is a part of raising a well-behaved, healthy dog. Regular walks benefit your pet’s physical and mental health through regular exercise and structured exploration. However, many new dog owners can unknowingly make errors that can slow training or even create long-term behavioral challenges.
Identifying these errors early and focusing on the most common mistakes to avoid during leash training helps build positive leash-walking habits.
Not Planning or Getting Proper Equipment
Starting leash training without a structured plan can lead to confusion for your dog and unnecessary stress for you. Without consistency, your dog may receive mixed signals, making it harder for them to understand and follow expectations. Successful leash training begins with clear goals, regular routines, and short, frequent training sessions that build familiarity and reinforce good behavior.
To make it all easier, choose equipment that assists with unique personalities, like harnesses for high-energy dogs. The right gear should also fit your dog without causing discomfort.
Allowing Your Dog To Pull
Allowing your dog to pull on the leash establishes bad habits that are difficult to reverse later, but adopting best practices for leash training can turn each walk into a rewarding experience. Dogs instinctively pull to explore their surroundings, but you want a pet that listens and stays with you for their safety, yours, and that of others.
To combat pulling, always stop walking when the leash tightens, and use positive reinforcement like rewarding calm walking with praise or treats. Just be sure to use actual training treats that are low enough in calories to not negatively impact your pet’s health. Training that includes verbal praise, gentle pats, treats, or snacks encourages your dog to view the activity as a fun, positive practice.
Pushing Too Hard, Too Fast
Just like people, your dog can feel overwhelmed, which can lead to setbacks. As a dog owner, it’s important to recognize that leash training takes time, patience, and consistency. Pushing your dog when they aren’t ready can induce stress and negative reactions, exactly the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.
Break training into manageable steps, gradually increasing the duration and complexity until your dog becomes more comfortable on their leash.
Forgetting the Connection Between Training and Health
Skipping leash training or establishing poor habits doesn’t just lead to behavioral issues; it can also impact your dog’s physical and mental health. If your dog has good leash manners, you are more likely to walk them, thus supporting their cardiovascular health, maintaining their weight, and reducing their anxiety.
By recognizing the common mistakes to avoid during leash training, pet owners can help their dogs develop healthy behaviors and a happy demeanor.
Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. All advice presented by our veterinarians, clinicians, tools, resources, etc is not meant to replace a regular physical exam and consultation with your primary veterinarian or other clinicians. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian.
