Care & training
A daily walk is really important for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. It helps keep your dog fit, gives them a chance to explore and sniff, and allows them to engage in social interactions that they enjoy. Teaching your dog to walk well on a leash will make walks a more enjoyable experience for both of you and help avoid issues such as pulling, which can make them less enjoyable.
Getting leash training right early helps make walks a positive experience and can avoid frustration for both you and your dog. That said, it’s never too late to start, and most dogs respond well to a gradual, consistent, reward-based approach.
Table of contents
- Choosing the right equipment for leash training
- The core training principle
- Loose-leash walking
- Teaching ‘leave it’
- When to ask for help
- How pet insurance can help support you and your pup
Choosing the right equipment for leash training
Choose a leash that’s in good condition, comfortable to hold, and appropriate for your dog’s size. Around two metres gives your dog room to explore without sacrificing control. Avoid extendable leashes, as they offer less control, can encourage pulling, and may cause neck injuries if your dog reaches the end of the lead at speed.
It’s also equally important to choose a harness or collar that fits well and is comfortable for your dog. A well-fitted harness is often the best choice for walking and training because it helps distribute pressure across the chest rather than the neck. This can be particularly helpful for dogs who pull or breeds with narrow heads, such as Greyhounds, who are more likely to slip out of a collar.
If you’re using a collar, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably underneath it. Check the fit regularly, especially for puppies, as they grow quickly and may need a larger size.
For dogs who pull persistently, consider a front-attaching harness. When paired with a double-ended leash attached at both the front and back, it can help gently redirect your dog’s movement without causing pain or discomfort.
Front-attaching harnesses are very effective and generally well-tolerated by dogs. These are a more appropriate piece of equipment to help with dogs who pull on the leash compared to head collars, which should generally be avoided as many dogs don’t tolerate them well and they can cause discomfort or injury if the dog’s head is jerked to the side.
Never use equipment that causes pain or distress, including choke chains and prong collars. These can lead to anxiety and defensive behaviour rather than helping your dog learn to walk calmly on a lead.
The core training principle
Good leash training rests on one idea: reward the behaviours you want to see more of, and withdraw reward when an undesired behaviour appears. Treats, praise, and toys all work as rewards. Aversive training methods shouldn’t be used as these can cause pain and fear, increase the risk of injury, negatively impact your pup’s wellbeing, damage their relationship with people, and create long-term behavioural problems.
Training sessions should be short, positive, and consistent. Dogs learn through repetition, and the more reliably you respond to good behaviour, the faster the lesson sticks.
Loose-leash walking
The technique to learn first is loose-leash walking. When your dog walks beside you without pulling, reward them with a treat every few paces and keep moving. The moment they start to pull, stop completely. Stand still until they ease off and return to your side, then move again.
The leash should feel slack in your hand. If it’s taut, your dog is out of position. With consistency, most dogs learn that pulling means they don’t get to move forward and walking calmly allows them to keep going like they want to.
A verbal cue adds another layer. Choose a word or phrase (for example, ‘heel’ or ‘with me’) and use it consistently when your dog is in the correct position. Over time, the word itself becomes a cue for them to move into position.
Teaching ‘leave it’
Pavements and parks are full of things your dog may want to investigate, including things that could be dangerous to them. Teaching your dog to leave something alone on command is a practical safety skill.
Hold a treat in a closed fist. Your dog will nudge, sniff, and paw at your hand. Ignore all of it. The moment they back off, even slightly, let them have the treat. Once they do this reliably, add a verbal cue such as ‘leave it’ as they move away. Keep treats on you when you’re out so you can follow through.
When to ask for help
If an undesirable behaviour isn’t improving, your vet is a good first port of call. They can rule out any underlying health issues and point you towards a reputable and appropriately qualified trainer or animal behaviourist who uses reward-based training. Most leash problems are easily resolved with consistent reward-based training, and a reputable professional can help when problems have been going on for some time.
How pet insurance can help support you and your pup
While good training helps to build good habits, even the most well-trained dogs can still face the occasional accident or illness. When unexpected vet visits arise, pet insurance helps manage those costs, giving you the confidence to act promptly when your dog needs care.
With RSPCA Pet Insurance, your policy also contributes to the RSPCA’s animal welfare work across Australia. To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
FAQs
How long it takes to leash train a dog depends on the individual dog, the approach that’s taken, and consistency. Many dogs show significant improvement within a few weeks of regular practice using an appropriate training approach. Puppies who are introduced to leash training early tend to learn faster than adult dogs who may have established habits.
Try switching to a front-attaching harness if you haven’t already, as the chest attachment helps to redirect momentum rather than rewarding it. If pulling continues, consider working with a reputable and appropriately qualified trainer who uses reward-based methods.
Retractable leashes can be problematic because they reduce your control, can encourage pulling by providing variable resistance, and may create a risk of injury if a dog reaches the end of the leash suddenly at speed. For training, a standard leash of around two metres is generally a better choice.
Yes. While it’s often easier to start when a dog is young, it’s never too late to leash train your dog. Most dogs respond well to a gradual, consistent, reward-based approach.
Appropriate training builds good habits that can help keep your dog safe, but dogs still have accidents. From muscle strains to a tumble in the park, unexpected vet visits can add up quickly. With RSPCA Pet Insurance, your policy also contributes to the RSPCA’s animal welfare work across Australia. As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
