Loose Lead Walking – Teaching Your Rescue Dog to Walk Calmly

🚶 Step 1 – Start Still

Begin by standing still and quiet.

• Allow your dog the full length of the lead

• Wait calmly

👉 The moment your dog looks at you or gives you attention:

✔ Praise
✔ Give a treat

This teaches your dog that paying attention to you is rewarding.

🐕 Step 2 – Move Together

Once your dog is focused on you:

• Start walking

• Use your voice and encouragement

• Reward them for staying close

👉 Always reward loose lead walking.

🛑 Step 3 – Stop When They Pull

If your dog moves too far ahead:

• Stop immediately

• Stay still and quiet

👉 Do not move again until your dog:

• Turns back

• Comes closer

• Gives you attention

Then:
✔ Reward
✔ Continue walking

👉 This must happen every time — consistency is key.

⏱ Step 4 – Keep Sessions Short

• Practise little and often

• Keep sessions calm and positive

• Don’t overdo it

👉 Short, regular sessions work best.

🎾 Step 5 – Train with Distractions

Once your dog improves:

• Place something they want (like a toy) on the ground

• Walk towards it

If they pull:
👉 Stop

If they walk nicely:
👉 Reward by letting them reach it

👉 This teaches your dog:
Pulling slows things down — calm walking gets rewards.

❤️ Make Being Near You the Best Place

This is the most important part.

Make yourself more interesting than the environment:

• Use praise

• Use treats

• Use encouragement

• Be positive

👉 Your dog should feel:
“Staying close to my human is the best place to be.”

🐾 Rescue Dogs & Patience

Remember — many rescue dogs:

• Have never walked on a lead properly

• Are adjusting to a completely new world

• Need time to learn

👉 Be patient. Progress will come.

📲 Need Advice?

We’re always here to help our adopters.

📲 WhatsApp: +44 7537 188501

🌐 www.rescuedogsforadoption.co.uk

🔚 Final Message

Loose lead walking isn’t about control…
it’s about connection.