Polite Leash Walking: Different Environments

It is very important to train your dog in many different environments with various distractions in order to have a dog who walks politely on a leash. Remember that being on a leash is not a natural thing for your dog, and it is a constant competition choosing you over different distractions. Sure, your dog learned to be relaxed in the neighbourhood that they visit daily, but how exciting it is to be in a new place with all those different smells and views!

This is why it is essential to start leash training early on in your dog’s life. Puppies have a natural curiosity about the world around them, and they are eager to explore new things. By introducing them to different environments and distractions while on a leash, you can teach them to focus on you and walk politely by your side. As they grow and encounter new situations, they will be better equipped to handle these distractions and remain calm and focused on their leash.

To help your dog adjust to new environments, it’s important to gradually introduce them to new distractions and environments. Start with quieter, less stimulating areas and work your way up to busier environments. This will allow your dog to build confidence and learn to remain focused on their leash, even in the face of new and exciting stimuli. Remember to reward your dog for good behavior and keep training sessions short and positive.

Read our tips for polite leash walking.

You can also read this article in Dogo App.

To have a reliable response and practise polite leash walking, you can use this checklist and do the same exercises that you did in the previous lessons in order to have your dog walking next to you all the time.

Ideas for different environments

• Walking towards dog park, vet clinic, groomer, daycare, school ground, water source, etc.
• Walking next to a busy road, skate park, joggers, etc.

It’s important to expose your dog to as many different environments as possible to build their confidence and reinforce good behavior. Consider taking your dog on walks to different parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Exposure to different people and animals can also help your dog learn to remain calm and focused on their leash. When introducing your dog to new environments, be sure to monitor their behavior closely and reward good behavior. With patience and consistency, your dog will become a well-behaved and confident companion on every walk.