Training Walking a Dog On a Leash

What is just about the most basic concept when it comes to dog training? Walking a dog on a leash has got to be right up there, without a doubt . Let's face it, folks, if we can't control our dog when we've got them on the end of a leash, then we're probably not going to have much luck teaching them to obey when they're unhindered by being tied directly to their master.

Yes, when it comes to dog and puppy training, walking a dog on a leash is one of the very first skills you've got to get under your belt.

It can be frustrating. Extremely frustrating. Your new puppy is naturally excited to be outside, and wants to run everywhere. He's not being disobedient; he's simply being a dog, and doing what comes naturally to dogs.

He wants to chase every sight, investigate every sound, and track down every scent. Your goal, of course, is to get him to do the exact opposite. To fight his natural instincts, and learn to obey you for his own good. In fact, that's pretty much what every facet of dog training boils down to - teaching him to refrain from doing what a dog would naturally do in a situation.

You will be making a huge mistake if you postpone this part of the training. Walking a dog on a leash and having him do what you tell him, and not do what he wants to do, are the building blocks of just about every other lesson you'll want to teach your dog.

It will take a while, but it doesn't have to take forever, and it doesn't have to involve being cruel to your dog. There are humane, effective methods of dog training that can greatly reduce the amount of time and frustration you put into dog training. Don't make leash lessons harder than they have to be, but do make sure your dog learns them early on.