Leash walking can be one of the more challenging things we try to train; it does take time to train your dog enough so that he or she can maintain a loose leash throughout your entire walk.
Our tips:

• train loose leash walking using a reward, a duration, and a location where your dog is able to work with you and do what you want most of the time
• When you take it “on the road”, bring your best snacks or toys and choose somewhere boring and quiet to start
• Until your dog has learned how to walk on a loose leash in most places and situations, walk him or her on something that manages pulling: a front fastening, “no pull” harness (I recommend a few specific brands of these) or a halter (similar to Halti or Gentle Leader brands)
• Try to find a time and place where your dog can safely be off leash, or if not off leash, then allowed to sniff or wander as much as possible… it’s important that they have free time without training!

Most importantly, have fun! Happy training to you.

Malli Hutchings is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer located on the Southern End of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.