Training Our Golden Retriever to Walk on a Leash

When we brought Sadie home from her breeder's last week, our first attempts to walk her around the block  were disastrous. Sadie would zig and zag between my legs, cross over from side to side, stop abruptly, and try to get the leash in her mouth. She was a mere infant back then of 6 weeks and 1 day old.

But Sadie is growing up...

We took 3 relaxing walks around the block today and will probably go for a fourth one before her bedtime. The walks were relaxing because I studied up on the problem and became determined to master the dog walk.

Here are the 6 key things that I learned and practiced with our Golden Retriever that have turned things around for us. Follow these steps and you will likely have the same success that we did.


1. Always walk in front of your Golden Retriever

When you walk in front of your Golden Retriever, you will be perceived as her pack leader. If you allow her to control the walk, then she will promote herself to that role. Your Golden should be beside you or behind you during the walk. When she tries to take over, you should come to a complete stop until she conforms. She should also be behind you when going out the door and back in the door.

2. Use a short leash and an illusion collar.

A short leash allows you maximum control, and attaching the leash to the very top of the neck with an illusion collar will let you guide and correct your Golden Retriever in the most efficient way.

3. Give yourself ample time for your walk.

Like humans, Golden Retrievers are diurnal which makes taking walks in the morning ideal. It;s a big commitment, but I set aside thirty minutes for each of Sadie's walks.Training takes time.

4. Reward your Golden Retriever during the walk.

After your Golden has maintained appropriate behaviors, reward her by allowing her to relieve herself and sniff around. Rewards are essential, but you decide when her reward time is over.

5. Keep leading your Golden puppy, even after her walk.

When you get back home, walk in the door first and have her wait patiently while you take off your shoes and jacket. Unleash her under your terms.

6. Reward your Golden after the walk.

By providing a meal or a tasty treat after her walk, you have allowed her to "work" for food and water which will give her a sense of accomplishment.

Sadie is not a perfect walker by any means and we still have lots of work to do. I'm glad that I latched on to these tips however, because walks are so much more pleasant for both of us.

Here are some pics of Sadie from today at 7 weeks and 1 day old.