Training Your Dog To Be the Perfect Walking Partner

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• The purpose of using a leash to walk a dog is to keep the animal safe and under the owner's control, and retractable leashes often do the opposite
• On a retractable leash, your dog can get far enough away from you to either get into trouble or into harm's way; in addition, retractable leashes are responsible for many injuries to both dogs and dog walkers
• The very nature of retractable leashes trains dogs to pull on the leash to extend the lead
• The most important thing you can do to set the stage for a lifetime of enjoyable walks is to help your canine family member learn to be the perfect walking partner
• Dogs who are enjoyable to walk with have learned that loose leads are good, taut leads are not, and pulling against the lead is pointless