Teaching Your Dog Polite Walking Manners

Published on August 22 by Lisa

Taking your dog for a walk should be a pleasant experience for both of you, but without proper manners, it can quickly become a stressful task. Teaching your dog good walking manners is essential for their safety, your comfort, and the enjoyment of your time together. Here’s a guide on how to instill proper walking manners in your dog.

1. Start with the Basics: Heel and Loose-Leash Walking

The foundation of good walking manners is teaching your dog to walk politely on a leash. Here’s how to get started:

• Heel Command: Begin by teaching your dog to walk beside you, known as “heeling.” Start in a distraction-free area, hold a treat in your hand, and use a cue like “heel” or “let’s go” as you start walking. Reward your dog for staying by your side, and gradually increase the duration before giving the treat.
• Loose-Leash Walking: Your dog should learn to walk on a loose leash without pulling. If your dog pulls, stop walking immediately and wait for them to return to you before continuing. Reward them for keeping the leash slack. Consistency is key—don’t let pulling get them where they want to go.

2. Teach “Sit” and “Stay” at Intersections

Safety is crucial during walks, especially at intersections or when crossing streets. Teaching your dog to sit and stay when you stop can prevent accidents and reinforce their obedience.

• Practice at Home: Begin by teaching your dog to sit and stay at home. Once they’ve mastered this in a calm environment, take it to the streets.
• Use a Cue: As you approach an intersection, use a cue like “sit” or “wait,” and have your dog sit by your side. Reward them for staying in place until you give the release command, such as “okay” or “let’s go.”

3. Manage Excitement and Jumping

Dogs often get excited on walks, especially when they encounter other dogs or people. While enthusiasm is natural, jumping up can be problematic.

• Ignore the Behavior: If your dog starts jumping or pulling toward someone, stop walking and ignore them until they calm down. Avoid giving attention—positive or negative—until all four paws are on the ground.
• Teach an Alternative Behavior: Encourage your dog to sit instead of jumping. Reward them for sitting calmly when meeting others. Consistent practice will help them learn that sitting politely is the best way to get attention.

4. Handle Distractions and Redirection

On walks, dogs encounter a variety of distractions, from squirrels to other dogs. It’s important to teach them to stay focused on you.

• Use a Focus Command: Teach your dog a command like “look at me” or “focus” to get their attention. Start practicing in a low-distraction environment and gradually increase the difficulty.
• Reward for Focus: Whenever your dog successfully focuses on you in the presence of distractions, reward them with praise or a treat. This reinforces the behavior and helps them understand that paying attention to you is rewarding.

5. Introduce Commands for Specific Situations

Different situations on walks may require specific commands. For example, teaching “leave it” can be crucial if your dog tries to pick up something dangerous from the ground.

• Leave It Command: Start by teaching your dog to “leave it” with objects at home. When they respond correctly, reward them. Then, practice on walks with real-life distractions.
• Wait Command: Teaching your dog to “wait” can prevent them from rushing ahead or darting into potentially dangerous situations. Use this command when approaching doors, intersections, or when you need to pause during the walk.

6. Consistency is Key

Consistency is essential in training. Make sure everyone who walks your dog uses the same commands and techniques to avoid confusing your dog. Regular practice will reinforce good manners, and over time, they will become second nature.

7. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the most effective method for teaching good walking manners. Use treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog for good behavior. Avoid punishment, as it can lead to fear and anxiety, making the training process more difficult.