‘Walkies’ is a great way to bond with your pet and give them the daily exercise they need, but you might find it more stressful than you expected — so what is the best way of leash training a dog?
If your pup is hard to control on the leash, if they love to pull you all over the place and don’t listen to commands, the solution is simple: try a harness.
With the right harness, and some simple training techniques, your daily walks can become a lot more enjoyable – for both you and your pet.
We recommend Blue-9’s Balance Harnesses – designed by professionals for control and comfort, they are a best-in-class solution for dogs that pull on the leash.
How do Blue-9 Balance Harnesses work?
Gentle guidance: A front-clip leash attachment makes it easier to redirect your dog when they pull, giving you more control without relying on force.
Freedom to move naturally: The Blue-9 Balance Harness is designed to shift slightly as your dog moves. This keeps the shoulders and legs free for natural motion – ideal for daily walks, hikes, and leash training a dog.
Fully-adjustable fit: Six points of adjustment ensure a secure, comfortable fit for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
What to expect using a Blue-9 Balance Harness for leash training your dog
If your dog pulls on the leash, the harness may shift slightly to one side. That is completely normal, and a sign it is not restricting their movement.
As your dog’s leash manners improve, the shifting will reduce.
Five tips for leash training a dog
- Choose the right gear – Pair a Blue-9 Balance Harness with a standard 4-6 foot leash and a treat pouch to keep rewards handy.
- Start in a quiet space – Begin indoors when leash training a dog – your living room is fine! It’s a great low-distraction environment for early training. Gradually move to your garden, quiet sidewalks, and eventually busier walking paths.
- Reward position – Whenever your dog walks beside you or checks in with eye contact, reward them with a treat or praise. This teaches them to expect good things when they stay close.
- Stop when they pull – If your dog surges forward and tightens the leash, stop walking. Wait for them to return to you or take a few steps in the opposite direction. Then continue walking with a loose leash. Consistency is key when leash training a dog. Over time, your pet will learn that pulling slows them down – and walking calmly keeps things moving.
- Practice in short sessions – Train in small blocks of five to 10 minutes, slowly increasing, and end on a high note. You and your dog will enjoy walks more when they feel fun, not frustrating.
Look forward to your daily walks!
Using the Blue-9 Balance Harness and the above tips on a regular basis, you can enjoy more connection – and less chaos – on every walk you take with your beloved furry friend.
Choose from Blue-9 Buckle Balance Harnesses and Blue-9 Reflective Balance Harnesses, which provide extra visibility when you’re out and about.
Both come in multiple colours and sizes, and can be paired with Blue-9 Multi-Function Leashes and Blue-9 Reflective 1.8 Metre Leashes.
If you need any advice on how to choose the right harness and leash for your dog, then please contact us and we will do our best to help you out and find the best solution.
For more tips on leash training a dog, visit Blue-9’s blog.
Hopefully you have found this article about leash training a dog to be helpful – happy walkies for you and your pet coming soon!
