How to get a stubborn dog to walk on a leash?

Most dogs don’t follow commands, they are stubborn and to get a stubborn dog to walk on a leash is a laborious task.

They don’t listen to their owner is not because they are hard-headed or untrainable. It is because the dog’s behavior simply can’t comfort to our standards or good manners. And changing his unwanted behavior absolutely takes time.

Walking with a leash on makes them uncomfortable like some snake on their neck. Starting the training could be tough but don’t worry, we have got a solution for you.

This article includes the right method and tricks to get a stubborn dog to walk on a leash! Also, what things to avoid while training him.

Methods to get a Stubborn Dog to Leash Walking

We have included step-wise methods for working on his behaviour. There can a possibility that you are indirectly supporting his stubborn action therefore, we have included re-corrections too in this article.

Read More: Make a Dog Leash Out of Climbing Rope | Make a Paracord Dog Leash Using Cobra Stitch

1. Working on your dog’s Behavior

1.1 Introduce him with the Leash

Most dogs don’t like the leash in their collar because they can’t understand what is going on with them. They get uncomfortable and feel that it should be removed immediately. They become anxious and get bad. When you attach the leash to your pet, you must take things slowly and try putting the leash indoors.

When you put a leash on his neck try distracting him with toys and once it is done praise him a lot.

1.2 Rewarding works

If you think shouting and scolding will get a stubborn dog to walk on a leash then you are absolutely wrong.

Dogs are smart, and their behavior can only be changed by positive training. Offering him a treat or rewarding good behavior as well as body language will make your dog learn things faster.

So he will relate something good will happen when you go on a walk. And, when you shout at them or physically punish them, they will be bullheaded and may make them anxious.

1.3 Small Training Treats and Click method

Keeping small training treats and click training sessions is advantageous because it allows your dog for more latent. Dogs enjoy positive reinforcement. This means to take things slowly, one step at a time.

They associate this with good behavior. When they behave according to your desire (walk on a leash), click them and reward them with small training treats; it works.

This makes him relate that click training and treats are associated with walking on a leash. And, he will be up to come for a walk.

Note: You can also learn about how to train your dog to walk without a leash to get more information.

1.4 Be Dominating and get Outdoor

Your dominance will work!

You have to show that in this relationship of you and your pet you are dominating. We are not suggesting you be harsh or cruel this simply means you are dominating in the position. Like by offering him treats, the leash, and the person responsible for feeding and providing a home for him establishes you to be a dominant person in this pet and owner relationship.

So, when he is ready and has learned to walk with a leash on, you can get a stubborn dog to walk on a leash by maintaining dominance by calming and giving him a command. Take your dog where you would like to go.

TIP: Don’t lose your patience you need to be more stubborn as compared to your dog.

Learn More: Teach a Puppy to Walk on a Leash | How to Train an Older Dog to Walk on a Leash

2. Re-correction of Problems

1. Understand the concept

Most of the dogs walk badly on the leash they start pulling on the leash or start lagging behind it. This is toxic behavior that needs time and hard work to resolve. The cause of the problem is that we ourselves self-reward them. Like when the dog pulls himself towards the park. We take them there. So his action of pulling is making things is fulfilling his desire.

Therefore, it becomes his habit of getting things done of his desire. It is highly important to train your dog and make him realize that he will get nothing by pulling. Learn about how to stop dog from pulling on a leash here.

2. Take a pause

When your dog pulls you immediately just stop on the track. You have to still because he will pull you again (but it will not last longer than a few minutes) Now he will try to inspect the problem and his body language.

This is your time to shine and take advantage of the stop. You can do this by luring him with his favourite treat. Now when he arrives at the heel offer him a reward and start to walk again. Keep repeating this step every time when he pulls you.

3. Go nowhere

This means you have to go nowhere. It is an important part of training because here your pooch will realize that pulling will lead to nothing!

You don’t have to go anywhere quite literally!

4. I stop you get a treat

This training method includes that when you stop walking he needs to sit down. And, when he does that he will receive a treat. Initially practice this indoors. Show your pooch that you have training treat in your hand to seek his attention and take a few steps. Your dog will follow you.

Once he starts to follow you then stop and don’t give any command to him, wait till he sits down. During this time he will try figuring out what to do he might dance and make a circle around you. Eventually when he sits down give your dog a treat quickly and say “yes”.

Start walking, stopping and rewarding him for sitting.

5. Practice and Practice!

Now your dog has learned, you stop means he needs to sit. This is time to practice this on the leash. Just when he takes extra slack from the leash in the track you just stop. He will sit down in search of a reward.

Welcome to no more pulling zone. Your dog will now keep the pace, watching you carefully to check when you will stop just to get the reward.

Note: Here are the best ways to hold a dog leash when you are walking your dog. Learn how to hold a dog leash here.

Things to consider

• Don’t frustrate your dog: We know dogs walk faster than humans and when you lag behind the dog may get irritated and will try to pull you to walk faster. All you can do is to match his speed and try walking at a good pace.
• Seek his attention: Dogs pulls you when they are attracted by something in the surrounding. To avoid this you can simply keep his attention on you so that he walks closer to you. Either by chatting with him in an excited manner or by praising him widely when he walks close to you.
• Never ever try prong or shock collars: It is an immoral practice and can make him more nervous and scared. This can cause even more aggression.
• Take professional’s help: Training your dog on a leash could be discouraging and tiring. You can take help from some qualified dog trainer to give you guidance to solve this problem to get a stubborn dog to walk on a leash.
• Work on his anxiety: Some dogs get anxious when you tie a leash on their neck. We might assume him to be stubborn but instead, he is anxious. There it is important to work on his anxiety issue. Make him familiar with the leash.

Conclusion

Every dog lover wants to go for walk with their dog but with utmost safety. We know dogs enjoy evening walks but don’t like to wear leashes. But to ensure his safety we have no option other than to put a leash on his collar.

Well, to train him to walk on the leash demands a lot of patience but, it is not impossible. To get a stubborn dog to walk on a leash, you can follow the above-given steps. In the end, we hope you spend a beautiful time with your pet.

Enjoy safe walking!

Also Read:

1. How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash Beside You?
2. What Do You Do If An Off-leash Dog Approaches You While You Are Walking a Dog?
3. The Least Effective Method To Retrieve A Dog That Has Got Off-Leash
4. DIY Dog Leashes

References:

1. How to walk a difficult dog – Direct Line Magazine
2. Here’s why you may be walking your dog all wrong – NBC News
3. Dog walking – the health benefits – Better Health