How to Leash Train an Adult Dog in 6 Easy Steps

Dogs are creatures that are known mostly for their obedience and loyalty. They grow up to be the way their owner/trainer wants them to be as the training process involves modifying and shaping the dog’s behavior through various techniques.

One of the most popular methods of training a dog is leash training. Here, we will discuss the whole step-by-step process of how you can leash train an older or adult dog. 

Understanding Adult Dog Leash Training

You can leash train your dog regardless of their age. Whether they are young or old, you can teach them to walk with you comfortably on a leash. It is also a positive reinforcement-based process that can help you and your dog build a positive and strong relationship in training.

Figure: Dog walking on a leash

Though the leash training can be challenging at times, if you are able to do it successfully, your dog will learn to be more obedient towards you and will look up to you as its leader. It will require your patience and consistency to pull it off successfully. Now, let’s look into our step-by-step guide to leash training your adult dog.

Step-by-Step Guide to Leash Training an Adult Dog

Keep in mind that the dog training process is systematic, so it will require your patience and consistency. Leash training your dog may even be challenging in case your dog is not used to leash walking, so they may find it difficult to adjust to the pressure of the collar and naturally walk forward. Now, we will show you how to leash train your adult dog step by step below:

Step 1: Introduce the Leash and Collar

The first step is to select the right leash and collar and introduce it to your dog. The best type of collar depends on the dog’s preference and comfort. However, for adult dogs, flat collars and traditional leashes are the most suitable as they are comfortable for walking.

However, if the dog tends to pull or tries to escape, martingale collars are more useful. There are more varieties of collars for different types of dogs.

Introducing the leash and collar to your dog will require you to associate those items with positive things. You need to make your dog realize that the leash and collar are good things. You can also lure them to wear the leash by offering them treats in one hand while holding the leash in the other.

Step 2: Practice Walking Indoors

After your dog gets used to the leash, you have to train them to start walking while wearing it. Practicing walking indoors is a good way to start the process.

First, put the leash on your dog and hold it so they get familiar with the stance. Then start by walking slowly. You can also keep small treats with you to reward your dog each time they finish a few steps with you. Then gradually increase your walking speed and number of steps.

Figure: Practicing indoor leash walking.

In this way, your dog will get a basic idea of how to walk beside you with the leash.

Step 3: Start Walking Outdoors in a Controlled Area

Now that you have trained your dog to walk indoors, you can start walking outdoors. Your dog is also familiar and comfortable with the leash and collar at this point. Keep the leash a bit loose for your dog’s comfort. 

Sometimes, it may be difficult to match your dog’s pace while walking outside. As consistency is key, you need to be consistent and patient with your dog to successfully train them to walk outdoors. 

Choose a calm area carefully, and also observe the weather. Start by walking slowly, then gradually increase your pace if you have gained confidence and control over your dog. Avoid pulling the leash as it can cause pressure and discomfort for your dog, and they will build a negative association with the leash.

Keep rewarding them with treats for their good behavior. Do not be too strict with the leash pulling, and be patient. In this way, you can start to train your dog to walk outdoors.

Figure: Walking outdoors in a controlled area.

Step 4: Handling Distractions

This is a step that begins with positive reinforcement and training indoors at the start. This is also a gradual process itself. Here’s how it is done:

Put your dog on the leash inside your home. Now, introduce something that may distract your dog, which could be food or any other pet you have. You have to put that at a distance while your dog is with you.

Walk them slowly, a few steps at first, and if they are able to walk with you without getting distracted, reward them with a treat. Continue increasing the number of steps and treat them every time they are successful. This will teach them to be obedient to you in a low-distraction environment.

Now, make sure that they pay attention to you. This can also be done through treats, and maybe you can also gain their attention by calling their name and even with a little nudge on their body. This will slowly teach them to walk outside without being easily distracted.

Once your dog has learnt to follow basic commands at home, you can take your dog outside. While walking outside, if any distraction (kids, another dog, etc) appears, walk your dog on the opposite side of it to create a physical barrier. You can also use commands like ‘watch me’ or ‘let’s go’ to retain your dog’s attention. 

If they keep following your commands, reward them with treats or petting to keep them motivated. In this way, you will be able to avoid distractions while walking your dog.

Step 5: Short Training Sessions

Keep the training sessions short but effective, as training too long at once can cause both you and your dog to get tired and burned out. Make sure that the training sessions are fun and rewarding so that your dog does not get bored in the process.

Dogs usually have a short attention span. So, try to keep your training sessions short, but make sure during that time you are making the best out of it.

Again, dogs have a small belly. As the system is based on rewarding, you need to make sure the training session is short so that your dog does not get overloaded with food because of the treats. So, you will be able to keep it short and sweet. 

Step 6: Reinforcement and Consistency

You can achieve success in leash training your dog through positive reinforcement and consistency. 

Positive reinforcement, like food treats and toys, will keep your dog motivated to obey your commands. Each time you see your dog listening to you and following your desired behavior, treat them. This will help build a positive relationship between your dog and leash walking.

Figure: Treating the dog with food.

Consistency is key. So you have to be consistent with your training process and rewards to successfully master your dog. You need to be patient too as training your dog is a step-by-step, gradual process. If you are consistent with your efforts, it will be easier for you leash train your dog successfully within a short time. 

Addressing Specific Challenges

Now, there may be specific challenges in leash training specific types of dogs. Not all dogs can be trained easily by following the same techniques. 

There may be dogs who are anxious, fearful, or reactive. Some dogs are too playful, so they get involved in pulling too much or lunging. Some dogs may be too old for this type of training due to physical limitations. 

Here’s how you can train dogs with these types of complexities:

• Anxious Dogs: To train an anxious dog, you have to make sure that you are being a good leader to them. Don’t agree with their fear and nervousness, it will keep your dog trapped in those feelings.

Instead, you have to be calm and confident to make them listen to you and feel the same way as they are looking up to you as a leader. Create a bond with your dog. Walk your dog in calm environments first, then build confidence and focus with positive reinforcement like rewards and treats. By doing this, you will be able to overcome your dog’s anxiety and train them well.

Figure: Anxious/fearful dog.

• Reactive Dogs: Some dogs are reactive on leash, but not off leash. They often start barking at people and running towards them or other dogs while walking outdoors.

To control this behavior, first, you have to find out what actually triggers them. Then start desensitizing your dog to the triggers by gradually introducing your dog to the trigger from a distance. Then pair the triggers with positive reinforcement, i.e., when your dog sees the trigger, reward them for staying calm or looking at you.

This will gradually reduce their reactivity and will keep them calm when they see what used to trigger them while walking outdoors.

Figure: Dog barking at strangers.

• Pulling and Lunging: Some dogs are too playful, sometimes even fearful and anxious, which results in them pulling strongly and lunging at distractions, like when they see other dogs.

To prevent your dog from doing this, first, stop walking and pull over so that your dog does not go any further, but remember, no pulling. Make sure you are walking on a loose leash. Avoid triggers and keep the walks short and manageable in case your dog gets overwhelmed. 

Understand your dog’s preferences and body language. Focus on positive reinforcement. You have to be the one in charge so that your dog has limited access to what they want to do. Establish a strong yet loving leadership over your dog. You’re in charge, but in a way that benefits you and your dog. So by having this authority, you can prevent your dog from pulling and lunging.

Figure: Dog pulling from the leash.

• Older Dogs with Physical Limitations: It is normal for older dogs to have physical limitations and not do as well as younger dogs in leash training.

To train an older dog, it will take patience and gentle movement. Consider your dog’s health issues and focus on less mobility. Create a safe environment for your dog by minimizing obstacles. Older dogs can learn new tricks and skills, you just have to be patient with them. 

Set the pace according to your dog’s preference, don’t pressure them. Keep the training sessions short, as longer sessions can exhaust your dog. Focus on positive reinforcement and rewards here too, it will encourage your dog to listen to you regardless of their age. By following these, you will be able to leash train your older dog with physical limitations.

Figure: Older dog.

Final Thoughts

If you are consistent enough, leash training your dog can be successfully done regardless of their age and behavior. It may be challenging sometimes under some circumstances, but you have to remember that, after all, your dog has to be obedient to you, and it is a positive reinforcement-based training process.

Figure: Leash training is successful.

By following our step-by-step guide as given above, you will be able to leash train your adult dog successfully. We provide expert pet advice, so don’t forget to stay connected with us to move forward with the well-being of you and your furry friend!