Many pet owners dont like using a leash, for a wide variety of reasons: My dog stays right next to me. He pulls the leash too much. My dog wants to explore on his own terms. I feel like a leash restricts my dog, and I dont believe in that.

However, in order to keep your dog safe, you require control of your pet. Your dog also needs to know this, to ensure hes aware who the boss is. And, once you train your dog to not pull on his leash, or other bothersome behaviors (take a course through a local dog obedience school), youll figure out just how fantastic dog leash training really is.

A dog that doesnt have any boundaries, such as a leash and an owner, doesnt realize that others have boundaries that he is required to respect. Proper dog leash training will show your pet what is expected of him at all times, no matter what is thrown at him. You cannot control if another dog attacks your pet, runs out into traffic, gets distracted by a wild animal or is so excited that hes not paying attention to his surroundings if your dog is unleashed. But with some dog leash training and a few commands he recognizes, youll have the utmost of control in almost any situation.

Essentially, you are teaching your dog respect with a leash. And this training requires frequent, consistent, and appropriately timed positive reinforcement. Without a leash, this is pretty difficult.

If your dog, for instance, doesnt respond well to the command, Come, then using a leash can help with this skill tremendously. Try it the next time you go for a walk. Put the leash on your dog, and go for a leisurely walk where you know hell be tempted to do something hes not supposed to. When he does it, gently say, Come. If he does not respond right away, use the leash (once again, gently you dont want to choke or otherwise hurt your dog!) to tell him what is expected of him, while saying the word, Come again. Repeat this until your dog comes to you, and then praise him instantly.

Do this consistently over a couple of days, and youll notice just how much easier it gets each time. Soon, you wont even need to remind your dog of your command with the leash hell just respond appropriately and immediately, and youll praise him just the same.

Learning how to control your animal using dog leash training is an important respect lesson for both of you, and should be used regularly to achieve the highest results.