Walking your dog is one of the many joys of being a dog owner. It is a chance for you to spend time with your furry friend and bond. Unfortunately, for many of us dog owners, taking our pups out for a stroll can be a nightmare. Does your dog pull? Does it feel like he is walking you, instead of the other way around? With just a little training, you can curb this negative behavior, and enjoy, rather than dread, your walks together.

The easiest way to introduce a leash and encourage good walking habits is to start when your dog is a puppy. Get a light-weight dog leash and attach it to your puppy’s collar . Drop the leash on the floor and let your puppy drag it around. Talk to him, pet him, whatever makes your puppy feel comfortable. Leave the leash on for a few minutes at a time, several times a day, to help your pup get used to having a leash attached. Never leave the leash on your puppy when he is unattended- he could get tangled around something and get hurt.

If your dog is used to wearing a leash, you can move forward with training. The most important thing to remember when walking your dog is to never let them walk in front of you- always on your side or behind you. When you allow your dog to walk in front of you, you are giving him the message that he is the pack leader, over you. In a dog pack the leader always goes first. The reason dogs pull is because when they walk in front, they feel that they are the leader. To your dog, this is a big responsibility and will make him anxious, and in turn, pull on the lead. If you train your dog to “heel”, or walk beside you, he will view you as the leader and can then relax and enjoy his walk.

“Heeling” means that your dog walks beside your knee and matches your pace, then immediately sits when you stop. The heel position is on your left side. To train your dog to “heel”, begin with the dog on your left side. Say “heel” and begin to walk forward. If your dog pulls ahead, spin around suddenly and begin walking in the opposite direction. The dog will follow you, naturally, and this will put him right back at your side. Again, say “heel”. When he is back in place, praise your dog and give him dog treats . Repeat this action every time he pulls ahead. It may be frustrating for a while, and take a bit to get where you are going, but it will be rewarding for both you and your dog in the long run.