Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Learning how to train your dog
• Part 2 of 3: Training your dog to walk on the foot with positive reinforcement
• Part 3 of 3: Using corrective methods
• Tips
• Warnings

Often times when people go for a walk with their dog, they are actually being dragged by the dog, rather than leading it. A dog that pulls, or even one that stays behind, is not properly trained to walk with its owner. Walking on the foot is such a comfortable way to walk your dog, and not in spite of him, that it's worth teaching your puppy how to do it. Anyone can train a dog to walk on a leash with repetition and patience, and with a few simple techniques.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Learning how to train your dog

1. Find a quiet place to train your dog. You want to rule out distractions so that your dog can easily focus on you. If you have a backyard, it is the perfect place to train your dog. Otherwise, find a quiet corner of a park with few other people or pets. If there are too many distractions outside, start indoors. Gradually increase the amount of distraction as the dog learns, making sure to practice in different places so the dog understands that foot everywhere foot means, not just in the backyard.
2. Teach the dog to watch you. This can be accomplished by simply entering a character like Pay attention to associate with a piece. Your dog will quickly learn to watch you when you use the word because he is expecting a treat. Once this is achieved, give treats irregularly, not necessarily on every occasion, but don't stop completely.
   • Don't rely on the leash to physically move the dog. The belt is for safety, not a means of communication. Exercising in a safe location without a leash is ideal.
3. Choose a freedom sign such as Okay, free or pause to indicate to your dog that he is allowed to stand free or stand up.

Part 2 of 3: Training your dog to walk on the foot with positive reinforcement

1. Teach your dog the correct position. The correct way to walk a dog is with the dog on your left. However, this is only necessary for official obedience and certain other sports. With pets, you can choose which side works best for you, but be consistent and stick to the side you choose.
   • The dog should walk with its head or shoulder level with your hip.
   • You don't have to hold the leash short to keep your dog in place. The belt hangs with a bow between you, without contact.
2. Teach your dog to position itself correctly.Foot is a useful command to teach your dog when he is standing. If your dog is not close enough or is confused about which side to sit on, tap your hip and use the command foot. If necessary, lure your dog to your side with a treat. As your dog learns, slowly fade the lure by using your hand without a kibble, then just your hand, and then more generally. The lure can become a hand signal (moving your hand towards your hip).
3. Create a training place for your dog. For example, you can use a mat. When the dog interacts with the platform, get into the heel position by standing to the dog's right and reward him with a valuable treat. Most dogs will quickly learn that you reward the position next to you. Then release the dog and reward it when it comes back to the same position.
   • If your dog is comfortable with this, you can make it more comfortable by changing your angle a bit. Reward the dog when it returns to this position on its own.
   • Once the dog starts to pull when you are standing still, resume walking. It can help to let the dog out with a wall to one side so it doesn't stray too far.
4. Get your dog's attention. The key to tracking is getting your dog's attention. Start by standing still with your dog sitting next to you in the right place. Get your dog's attention by saying his name, tapping his head, making noises, or pre-taught Pay attention sign to use.
   • When the dog looks up, tap your hand on your left hip and say foot. This is a command. Your dog can learn to watch where you indicate, and in this way you give your dog a reference point for where to be by foot.
   • Prepare your dog for success. Do your best to avoid asking for more than your dog is capable of.
   • Remember, the key is getting your dog's attention. This can be the hardest. Plus, while it takes some work, you can simultaneously teach your dog to watch you when you say Pay attention or whatever your chosen character is. Remember to reward with a treat when your dog responds appropriately.
5. With your dog in the right place, you take a step. Reward your dog. Increase to two, then three, and so on.
6. Once your dog reliably walks next to you, you will begin speed changes and turns.
   • Think of every walk you take with your dog as a training session.
7. Clearly reinforce your dog for good behavior with what he likes best - treats, play, petting, praise, etc. Chunks are usually the most favored and the easiest option. You must positively reinforce your dog when he obeys your commands correctly. Avoid using punishment for training.

Part 3 of 3: Using corrective methods

1. Use corrections in moderation. Many people train their dogs using only positive, reward-based methods, which requires a lot of patience and consistency. Corrections can sometimes get faster results, but it can also backfire by damaging your relationship with your dog, creating fear and confusion in your dog, and resulting in more unwanted behavior.
2. Think of the belt as an extension of your arm. With this in mind, you should not correct your dog unless he or she needs a correction. Giving your dog mixed signals will only complicate things and prevent successful training.
   • Keeping the leash loose (not constantly correcting) means that when you actually pull, your dog is more likely to listen to you.
3. When you praise your dog, don't let him disobey until you've released him. For example, if you tell your dog to sit and it listens, you praise it and it gets up, stop praising right away. If your dog doesn't sit back on its own after a few seconds, put it firmly in place, then praise it again.
   • You don't have to repeat the command. Confirmation is much more effective. You can give your dog a chance to obey you properly.
4. Confirm that your dog cannot move forward. Most dogs lead the way. To correct this, keep your dog on a leash that is short enough to allow you to stand in front of him. When he tries to walk forward, make a sharp turn and step directly in front of him, making a 90 degree turn and walking in a new direction. Again, make a sharp turn, as if walking along a square.
   • The dog will be used to leading you and may be surprised or confused. Walk straight ahead again, until the dog tries to pass you again. Perform the same stunt. It is enough to do this for 5-15 minutes a day. Some dogs learn after the first session, but some dogs, who have been used to leading you for years, may take longer.
5. Train your dog not to slow down either. Most dogs consistently slow down when they feel anxious, ignored, unwanted, or abused, but many dogs do it every now and then when they are distracted by smells or activities. The way to stop slowing down is the same as stopping leading. All you have to do is let the leash tap against your leg every time you take a step while walking.
   • Your leash should be in your right hand again, and a slowing dog should be on your left behind you, with the leash running in front of your legs. This will cause a jerk when you step forward with your left leg, and if this isn't enough for your dog to catch up with you then you can slowly pull in the leash while your leg pushes against it.
   • You must then use a command while doing this, if Get on and / or foot; and hit your hip with your left hand. Use this command, and your dog's name, where your hey used to get his attention when needed. Once your dog is next to you again, praise him and let the leash hang off again. He will likely start lagging again, but all you have to do is repeat.
6. Try to put your thumb in your pocket to keep the belt at a length that you are comfortable with. The abrupt stop or changes in direction with the consistent leash tension seem to guide the dog well. Sometimes when you have your hands free, you may be tempted to let the leash hang too loose, allowing the dog to roam while you daydream. The thumb trick keeps it firmly in place.
7. Use a wide collar. Thinner collars are harder than wider collars because the pressure is not distributed over a larger area, making corrections harder.

Tips

• Remember to always be patient when training your dog. It doesn't help if you get angry.
• Let your dog be a dog! Practice tracking on walks, alternately releasing the dog to sniff, and calling it back to tracking.
• Your dog is most likely to obey when your voice is calm and soft, not an angry tone.
• Try securing the leash at your waist, or wrapping it around your shoulder so you have both hands free and don't rely on the leash to just pull the dog around, but actually let him learn where the correct position is without pressure.
• Consider your dog's size and strength compared to your size. Is this a dog that constantly pulls you when you walk? Is the dog strong enough to pull you? Instead of a choke or prick collar, consider a harness with a clip on the front, or a Gentle Leader, which can be purchased online or at the pet store.

Warnings

• Always be in charge of your dog and tell others with dogs that they should be too.Keep in mind that no matter how much you love and love your dog, you should not let yourself and your dog be put in a dangerous situation. Protect your dog, yourself, and others by keeping your dog on a leash and remembering that you are responsible for keeping your dog and others safe.