Leash walking in NYC is an adventure like no other… With distractions and stimuli all around, it’s can feel like an epic challenge.
With nearly 15 years of experience working with dogs and their parents in NYC, teaching cooperative urban leash walking has become one of my specialty areas.
Here are 3 simple tips for achieving smooth and cooperative urban leash walks:
- Leash Length: Adjust the length of your dog’s leash based on the environment and the level of access that makes sense for your dog in that situation. A shorter leash provides more control and less access to distractions in busier areas or when rounding corners, while a longer leash allows more freedom in more open areas.
- Body Positioning: Guide your dog using your body language. Face the direction you want to go and gently steer them away from distractions by positioning yourself slightly in front of and/or between them and the distraction.
- Teach Leash Pressure Skills: In NYC, some leash tension is inevitable. If you teach your dog early on how to respond positively to leash pressure, you’ll have a dog that follows the leash with ease.
Disclaimer: Not all tips apply to every dog or situation. For concerns like leash reactivity or excessive pulling, please seek guidance from a certified professional trainer.
