How to train your dog to follow you around without rushing, making it easier to go for a walk

Author portrait of Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Healthcare Technology Correspondent

How to train your dog to follow you around without rushing, making it easier to go for a walk

The first point of training a dog to follow

Let the dog play by himself first so that the dog can become familiar with the environment. Then the owner holds the leash with his left hand, calls the dog's name, and issues the command "Follow" to make the dog follow him in a large circle. The distance traveled during each training session is generally no less than 100-150 meters. When training to follow, the dog may appear to be leading, falling behind or walking diagonally. At this time, the owner should issue the "Follow" command in a timely manner. If the dog can follow immediately, it indicates that the dog's conditioned reflex to the command has been basically formed.

The second point of training a dog to follow

When a dog sees another dog and wants to rush forward, the owner should immediately tighten the leash to make the dog stop. At this time, the owner can call its name to attract its attention, and smell the snacks in its hand to attract its attention, let it focus on the owner, and then start to walk forward slowly.
If the dog exceeds the owner's pace again or runs around, the owner needs to ask the dog to sit down first. After the dog stabilizes, the owner can pat the sides of his feet and then let the dog sit down. The dog follows its owner. When the dog naturally walks beside the owner's feet, you can try to let go of the front leash and walk together. But be sure to keep a leash when walking your dog. This is your responsibility to others and yourself.

The third point of training dogs to travel with them

Owners can gradually take their dogs into more complex environments for training, such as training on roads or residential areas. When the dog is affected by new stimuli in this bad environment and does not execute the command, the owner can issue a command with a threatening tone, accompanied by the stimulation of pulling the leash, to force the dog to follow the command correctly. When the dog can still obey the owner's instructions in a relatively complex environment, it means that the accompanying training is successful.