17 OctHow to walk a dog in a big city: 4 tips for better leash walking in the city

Walking your dog in New York City or any urban environment has it's unique set of challenges. There's the steady stream of people and their own dogs to navigate and decide if you're going to allow that leash greeting or narrowly try to avoid it. Chicken bones, leftover pizza that you'd think Splinter had taken care of by 7 in the morning, and the multitude of smells that you never really know where each is coming from.

Which is why traditional leash walking tips that focus on suburban or rural neighborhoods might not be the best advice for you and your dog. That's why we've compiled our top four tips for better leash walks in the city. Keep reading to find out what they are!

1. Shrink your dog's leash walking zone! That's right. You already know exploring new places is great mental enrichment for your dog, but could taking them to new places every walk be hindering your leash walking progress? When you're starting out this training process you need to take it slow. And generalizing skills takes time. Each new environment, like a city block or neighborhood, is a NEW place you need to generalize. Instead, start with a small loose leash walking radius and increase it as your dog understands the rules.
2. Practice consistent leash handling techniques. Leash handling (length of leash, how you communicate direction to your dog) is the most important foundation skill to start with. If you don't have proper mechanics for leash handling, everything else after falls apart.
3. Reinforce them for “getting it right”. Use something they like and reinforce in position. The position you want them to be in, right by your side and with a loose U-shaped leash. Use tasty, high value treats, toys, and most importantly, use smells and other things in the environment as functional environmental rewards.
4. Don't allow pulling to work. The more it works, the better they get at it and the more likely they will continue to do it. Practice makes perfect, right? Instead, stop or use the circle method when you feel pressure and only allow forward motion when the leash is loose!

Need additional guidance and personalized instruction from an expert? Our certified trainers offer virtual and in-person training sessions all over NYC. Plus we have tons of group classes held at our facility in the East Village (in Manhattan) that can help you build your dog's leash walking skills. So you're not breaking your back or getting dragged down the street by your dog. Sign up for a free virtual consult to talk to a trainer about what service is best for you or check out our list of group classes.

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