Why To Leash Train
There are many reasons why you want your dog to be comfortable being on a leash.

• It keeps your dog from taking off during a walk.
  
• It allows you to control your dog when he becomes excited or agitated.
  
• It’s a tool you can use in other training, be it housetraining, learning to “Come” or other lessons.
  
• In many urban areas, leashes are required in public areas.
  
• It allows you to bring your dog with you, whenever you can.

How To Leash Train
The first step is having your dog accustomed to wearing a properly fitted collar. All dogs need to be comfortable wearing a collar, so put a non-tightening one on your puppy or dog as soon as he comes home. Don’t let your dog’s initial agitation dissuade you unless the collar is too tight. If you leave it on, he’ll get used to it. The collar should be tight enough so your dog cannot remove it, but not so tight that it causes discomfort. You should check regularly to ensure a proper collar fit by making sure you can fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. Be sure to remove all collars if you crate your dog.

After your dog is used to wearing his collar, follow these steps to begin leash training:

• Attach the leash and let your dog drag it around the house under your supervision.
  
• Do not pull on the leash or try to force your dog to go when he is resisting. Kneel down to the dog’s level and call him in a “happy” voice or offer him a kibble of food or a toy to entice him.
  
• Guide your dog to his designated elimination spot with the leash during housetraining. If he resists, use a toy or a piece of kibble or two to lure him along.
  
• Make sure to give him slack and praise him warmly when he heads in the right direction. That more than anything will signal that he made a good choice.
  
• It is customary to walk dogs on the left side. Get your dog used to walking on your left side by simply guiding him there each and every time you go outside together. Praise and reward him any time he shows up in that position.
  
• Encourage your dog to focus on you when you go for walks by using plenty of encouragement. Give commands and communicate. Make it fun! 

You may also want to start teaching the “Heel” command when you start taking walks. In short, start with your dog on your left, and then start walking. When your dog drifts away or tries to pull away, say, “Heel” and turn to the right. Your dog is now behind you and will run to catch up. You may need to gently reel your dog in while giving the command to reinforce its meaning. Read about Obedience Commands for more on heeling. This is an activity many people struggle with. Finding a good local training class can help you learn how to handle your dog and teach him this basic, but useful behavior.