How to Teach Loose-Lead Walking Without Constantly Correcting Your Dog

Practical, clear training guidance from Holistic Hounds for dog owners who want useful real-life skills.

1. Start where your dog can succeed rather than beginning in the hardest environment

Start where your dog can succeed rather than beginning in the hardest environment.

2. Reward the position and lead tension you want

Reward the position and lead tension you want.

3. Use changes of direction and short engagement games to keep connection

Use changes of direction and short engagement games to keep connection.

4. Allow purposeful sniffing so the walk is not a continuous formal heel

Allow purposeful sniffing so the walk is not a continuous formal heel.

5. Increase distractions gradually and expect the skill to need retraining in new places

Increase distractions gradually and expect the skill to need retraining in new places.