Begin somewhere quiet with a well-fitted harness or collar and a standard leash. Reward your dog when they walk beside you with a loose lead, and allow sniff breaks as part of the walk. Frequent short sessions are usually easier to learn from than one long, frustrating outing.
When the leash tightens
Pause or gently change direction before your dog reaches the end of the lead. Invite them back with a cheerful cue and reward when they reconnect. Avoid jerking the leash; it can startle or hurt your dog and does not teach the behavior you want.
Choose a route that gives you room to create distance from dogs, people or traffic. If your dog is fearful or reactive on walks, talk with your veterinarian and seek a qualified force-free trainer for a plan tailored to them.
