How do you train a dog to walk beside you without a leash?

Answer 1

The simplest answer is to walk briskly and not stop, even if he tries to. This may not work with all dogs or all owners, but it is the quickest solution.

Teach your dog a "leave it" command. When he tries to stop to sniff, remind him to "leave it" (ignore it).

Answer 2

First of all i would say to make sure your dog can walk on a leash/lead nicely before you try anything else. This means to walk sensibly without pulling etc. If your dog has mastered that, then you are ready to move on. Start by getting some treats and walking the dog with its leash on. You need to have one treat in your hand on the left hand side where to dog is also walking. Hold it by your side and let the dog sniff it. Walk a little and then give your dog a treat and so on. After your dog has done that for about a week everyday you can take a step further. Take the lead off your dog and tell it to come to you and then give it a treat. Then get another treat out another holding it by your side tell your dog "close". This should hopefully (if you have taught the dog "close" work). You need to do this in a quite environment with no distraction's. Eventually after hard training at least once a week will work. Make sure that there is only one person talking to the dog at any one time, if not this could cause a dog to be confused and not listen to anything. You will defiantly need one thing when you are teaching this and it is patients. Good look if you need anymore advice just send me a message on my message board, thank you and good look!