How to Teach Your Dog to Walk by Your Side

Walk Your Dog by Your Side


Walking you dog can be a wonderful experience, It's not only good for them but also very good for you. Teaching your dog to walk by your side can be tricky. It will take time and lots of love and rewards.


You see people walking with their dogs nicely strolling by their side and you wonder how they do it. With patience and practice, your dog too can be the awe of the neighborhood.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Collar
• Leash
• Dog treats

Step 1

Begin training your dog in a familiar setting. Use your backyard or an area your dog can be comfortable. Dog parks and crowded areas may distract from your training session.

Step 2

Position your dog to your left side and attach the leash to his collar, then place the leash into your right hand. Use a 4- to 6-foot leash. This allows you to maintain control over your dog, yet allows slack on the leash so your dog learns that you want a loose leash with him by your side.

Step 3

Walk forward while stating, "Come" to your dog. If your dog starts to move ahead of you, pull back on the leash with the, "Heel" command and if your dog lags behind, give a gentle tug on the leash with the, "Come" command.

Step 4

Praise your dog as he is walking by your side. State, "Good Boy" throughout the training to reinforce good walking.

Step 5

Turn in a 180-degree angle to your right to teach your dog to follow your direction and repeat Steps 3 and 4.

Step 6

Stop walking and place your dog into the "Sit" position. Reward your dog with a treat for following your commands.

Step 7

Continue training your dog following Steps 2 through 6. By training on a regular basis, you're reinforcing walking by your side. If you or your dog tire out, take a break and resume training the next day.