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

• It keeps your dog from taking off during a walk.
• It allows you to control your dog when excited or agitated.
• It’s a tool you can use in other training, be it potty training, 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 a collar. All dogs need to be comfortable wearing a collar, so put a nontightening one on as soon as your puppy or dog comes home. Don’t let your dog’s displeasure dissuade you unless it’s too tight or causing skin issues. If you leave it on, he’ll get used to it. Be sure to remove all collars if you crate your puppy. Then:

• Attach the leash and let your dog drag it around the house under your supervision.
• Guide your dog to your designated potty area with the leash during potty training. If your puppy 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.
• 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! Dogs generally love fun.

You’ll also want to start teaching the ‘heel’ command when you start taking walks. In short, start with your dog on your left, 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 reel your dog in while giving the command to reinforce its meaning. Read about Obedience Commands for more on heeling. This is a behavior 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.