Leash Training Tips Every Los Angeles Dog Owner Needs to Know.
Walking your pup should be a calm and enjoyable part of your life—but if your dog pulls, lunges, or gets distracted easily, it can become a stressful situation. Leash training is not just to keep your dog from running in the street and your peace of mind, but also for your overall relationship. The good news? With the right tools and techniques, you can change your walks into an enjoyable experience.
As a professional dog trainer serving Los Angeles, I’ve helped countless people overcome leash challenges. Whether you’re working on a busy street or going through a peaceful park, these tips will help you and your dog enjoy every step together.
Choose the Right Equipment
The first step to leash training correction is having the proper training gear. The right leash and collar can make a huge difference in how you communicate with your dog during walks.
Recommended Gear:
Leash: Use a standard 4–6 foot leash with little give. Retractable or bungee leashes can encourage pulling, so it’s best to avoid them unless your dog is already trained.
Collar or Harness: A front-clip harness is ideal for discouraging pulling, while a flat collar works well for dogs that are already leash-trained.
Prong Collar or Slip Leash: These are great tools for people who need more leverage.
2. Start Indoors
Before heading out onto the busy streets of Los Angeles, start your leash training in a distraction-free place like your home or backyard. This gives your dog a chance to practice calm walking without being overstimulated.
Training Tip: Reward your dog with treats and praise every time they stay by your side or self-correct into that position. Building positive associations early on is key!
Teach Loose-Leash Walking
Loose-leash walking means your dog walks calmly by your side without creating tension on the leash. You should keep a J shape in the leash going from you to the dog. It’s one of the most important skills to master for enjoyable walks.
How to Teach It:
Hold the leash relaxed and keep a few treats handy.
When your dog walks beside you, say “Yes” and reward them frequently for eye contact to reinforce the behavior.
If they pull ahead, stop walking immediately. Do a 180-degree turn away from the dog. When they catch up to your side position, say “Yes” and reward.
Remember, patience, timing, and consistency are crucial when teaching loose-leash walking.
Practice Focus Commands
Los Angeles is full of distractions—other dogs, cars, smells, and busy sidewalks. Teaching your dog focus commands can help them stay calm and attentive in these stimulating environments.
Focus Commands to Try:
“Watch Me”: Hold a treat near your face and say “watch me” to get their attention. Reward them when they make eye contact.
“Leave It”: Use this command to redirect your dog away from food, trash, or other animals. This is a great command to help with impulse control.
Gradually Introduce Outdoor Walks
Once your dog is good indoors, it’s time to take the training outside. Start in low distraction areas and gradually work up to busier environments as their confidence and skills grow.
Great Places to Practice in Los Angeles:
Runyon Canyon Park: A nice spot for dogs ready to handle moderate to high distractions.
Echo Park Lake: Perfect for sight and sound exposure in a scenic setting.
Silver Lake Reservoir Dog Park: A good place to practice leash manners around other dogs.
Consistency
Leash training isn’t an overnight process—it’s a lifestyle adjustment that takes time and repetition. Use the same commands and rewards to help your dog understand what’s expected. We are habit-building!
Professional Help
If leash work continues to be a challenge, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional trainer. A leash is a communication tool. If it feels like there isn’t communication happening, then that’s your sign!
At Pat’s Pack Dog Training, I’ve worked with dogs of all breeds and temperaments to master leash manners, making walks enjoyable for both dogs and their humans.
Why Leash Training Matters in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vibrant city with endless opportunities to explore—from trails to dog-friendly beaches and buzzing city streets. Good leash manners make every outing safer, more enjoyable, and less overall stress. Whether you’re trotting through Griffith Park or enjoying a coffee in Santa Monica with your pup, leash communication allows you to fully enjoy these experiences together.
How Pat’s Pack Can Help
Leash training doesn’t have to be hard! At Pat’s Pack Dog Training, I offer personalized programs designed to tackle common leash challenges like pulling, reactivity, and distraction. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for you and your dog, turning your walks into the highlight of your day. Contact me today to schedule a personalized leash training session in Los Angeles. Together, we’ll build the skills your dog needs to make every walk a stress-free adventure!
