Walking your dog with a leash

Fail to teach a Saint Bernard how to walk properly on a leash and you could end up with a dislocated shoulder. Walking a dog who pulls incessantly can also be exasperating no matter what the animal's size. First and foremost, a walk should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.

The right equipment

Begin by selecting the right leash and collar for your dog. Base your choices not only on your dog's breed but also on his current behavior level. A slip-style collar or choke-chain might work well for a Rottweiler, but you could easily injure your Chihuahua's more delicate neck with a collar that's too heavy or one that tightens when she pulls. Fixed circumference collars made of nylon are a much smarter choice for smaller pets. Head collars are also available for dogs of all sizes.

Dealing with pulling and tugging

When beginning your walk, you may let your dog wander a bit, but change direction often to ensure compliance. Is your dog pulls, stop walking immediately. In most cases this will prompt the dog to run back to you, effectively interrupting the pulling process.

Once your dog begins walking comfortably alongside you, you can begin teaching the heel command. With your dog on your left side, hold the leash in your right hand and a treat in your left. At random moments, stop walking and instruct your dog to sit (a prerequisite for teaching heeling). As soon as your dog sits, reward him and say the word heel before moving forward once again. Continue practicing this two-part exercise until your dog readily stops walking whenever you do.

Is your dog a dawdler?

If your dog tends to stop frequently during his walks, it may be because he needs to void his bladder or bowels. Take him to his elimination spot prior to his walk. There should be a clear distinction between taking your dog to do his business and going for a leisurely walk. One way to help your dog differentiate between the two is by using a different leash for each task. You will be amazed how quickly your dog will make the connection between the designated leash and the corresponding activity.

If you find that your dog still likes to stop to smell the roses (and the grass and the trees), let him. A dog's nose is exponentially more sensitive than a human's, so while you are merely smelling a freshly-mowed lawn, your dog is likely discerning which of his friends have been passed this same area earlier in the day. To your beloved pet, taking a walk without being able to sniff his surroundings would be like your strolling the neighborhood without stopping to chat with your friends and neighbors.

Owner etiquette while walking

Just as your dog should learn proper leash-walking manners, you should also be a conscientious owner. Bring along clean-up bags each time you walk your dog so her excrement isn't left on public property or someone's lawn. And speaking of other community members, always ask before allowing your dog to approach other people. While walking your pet can be prime time for socialization, owners must always be respectful to individuals who either don't like or outright fear members of the canine species. Even a so-called dog person might not appreciate being jumped on by an overly excited animal. Incorporating other training commands, such as "Down," into your dog's walks can be especially useful. Remember, you want your dog's dealings with people to be positive ones!

Walk them often while they're puppies

Teaching your new puppy how to walk on his leash might not seem like an urgent matter, but you will find early training much easier than wrestling with this same dog once he reaches adulthood. Start attaching your dog's leash the day you bring him home, and venture out together as soon as possible. (Avoid areas frequented by numerous dogs until she has had all her vaccinations, of course.)

As those little legs grow, you may find that a single, short walk each day is not enough exercise for your pet. If your dog is especially fit, ask his vet about taking him along with you on jogs or hikes to get the most out of his leash time – but only once he has mastered the basics of proper leash etiquette. This early training will prove extremely helpful down the road.