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Going for a walk might be one of your dog's favorite activities to do with you. Getting your dog excited for walks is probably not difficult. Getting him involved by getting his own leash when he's ready for a walk can be a cool trick. Not only can he teach you that he is ready to go or needs to go outside, but he can also take a simple chore off your hands by getting the leash for you. Imagine the time saved if your dog can walk up to you with his leash in hand ready to go. You could spend extra time putting your shoes on, filling up a bottle of water, and gearing up for your walk. Impress your friends and neighbors each time your dog carries his leash to you to let you know he is ready to go!
Training your dog to bring you his leash is not an incredibly difficult task. However, your dog needs to know basic commands first. Teach your dog to get his leash by teaching him the keyword word such as ‘leash.’ You will use this word every time you expect your dog to bring his leash to you. You can work on your dog bringing you his leash every time you take him outside, so potentially several times a day for several sessions before he completely comprehends the command. This trick could take a few weeks to master but will show the world just how smart your dog really is. Starting with basic a keyword command such as ‘leash’ or ‘pick it up’ will help your dog understand this command a little faster. If your dog is not familiar with the fetch command or not familiar with basic words such as ‘ball’ or ‘go get the ball,’ you may want to work on those first. Have fun with this one. Your dog will look smart and be able to help you out with a simple task.
Your dog should have a leash ready for him that is the right size for his breed, size and weight. Be prepared with lots of treats to offer him. Each time you practice this simple trick, be ready to take your dog for a walk even if it is short and sweet. You will need him to understand the ‘leash’ command means he gets the leash and as a reward, he gets to go outside and walk with you. Have fun and be positive. Be prepared to reward your pup for great behavior and learning another cool trick.
The Commands Method
Most Recommended
2 Votes
Most Recommended
2 Votes
Leash commands
Introduce the word ‘leash’ as a command word and teach your dog exactly what you want when you say the command.
Take it
Starting with a leash sitting on the floor, ask your dog to ‘take it.’ If your dog does not know the ‘take it’ command, you can place the leash in his mouth. Offer him a treat once the leash is in his mouth and use the command ‘drop it.’
Drop it
If your dog still has the leash in his mouth, use the command ‘drop it.’ If your dog doesn’t know ‘drop it,’ he should drop the leash in exchange for the treat you offer. Work on this command if he does not yet know it.
Door
Walk to your door and ask your dog to take the leash using the ‘take it’ command. Once he brings it to you, use the ‘drop it’ command.
Reward
Once your dog brings the leash to you, offer him a treat, forcing him to drop the leash.
Repeat
Repeat these steps several times using the ‘take it’ and ‘drop it’ commands.
Forego commands
Once your dog understands the command ‘leash’ means to bring you the leash, you can stop using the take it and drop it commands and start only using the leash command.
Practice
Practice these steps in small sessions several times a day for a few weeks until your dog understands when you say the word ‘leash’ you would like him to pick up his leash, bring it to you, and drop it into your hands.
Reward with walk
When your dog is successful at bringing you the leash, be sure to reward him with a treat and a walk outside.
The Fetch Leash Method
Effective
1 Vote
Effective
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Fetch
Use a fetch command to teach your dog to fetch his leash and bring it to you.
Leash command
Show your dog the leash and use the word ‘leash’ several times while talking to him. Repeat this word every time you put the leash on him and several times a day as you show him his leash.
Fetch
Place the leash on a hook or a table where your dog can easily access it and begin to use the words ‘fetch leash’ as a command your dog should understand. As long as he knows the word fetch and has taken the time to learn the word leash, this should be a breeze.
Reward
As your dog is able to bring the leash to you using the ‘fetch leash’ command, be sure to reward him with a treat.
Walk
Each time your dog brings you his leash on command, take him for a walk outside.
Repeat and practice
Teaching your dog to fetch a leash is not much different from teaching your dog to fetch a stick or a ball. You are simply teaching your dog the new item rather than the fetch command. Be sure to practice using the leash command every day so your dog does not forget your expectations when you say the word ‘leash.’
The While Walking Method
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Least Recommended
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Mouth leash
Teach your dog the command leash while the leash is on him and you are on a walk. While you are walking, place the leash in your dog's mouth and use the command word ‘leash,’ teaching him what the item is called and when you say the word it goes into his mouth.
Repeat
As you walk together, repeat the word ‘leash’ every so often. Your dog should get to the point where he puts the leash in his mouth on his own. If he does not, continue repeating step one by placing the leash into his mouth and saying the word at the same time.
On command
Once your dog has practiced, on command, he should be able to pick up the leash and put it into his mouth.
Off-leash
Now begin to practice with the leash off your dog. Place the leash on a hook or on the floor and use the command ‘leash.’ Your dog should pick it up and put it in his mouth.
Reward and practice
Be sure to reward your dog with a yummy treat each time he picks up the leash on command, and practice several times a day with the command so he remembers his new trick.
Leash location
Keep your leash in the same location where your dog can easily access it. Each time you say the command, ‘leash,’ your dog should be able to go retrieve the leash and bring it to you ready for a walk.
Big reward
Each time your dog brings you his leash on command, be sure to reward him with a nice walk.
Written by Amy Caldwell
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 10/06/2017, edited: 01/08/2021
More articles by Amy Caldwell
Training Questions and Answers
My dog doesn't like to give things back to me, he will go get his ball "tenny" then take off with it or be like "whatever I don't care." What should I do?
Jan. 19, 2021
Scotch's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1128 Dog owners recommended
Hello Abby, Check out the article I have linked below on teaching Fetch, especially the section about teach drop it using treats or a toy trade, and teaching come. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-to-fetch/ Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
Jan. 21, 2021
My dog is extremely stubborn and I don’t know how to go about it. She’s not only a German Shepherd, but also a Chow Chow, Rottweiler, Pitbull, and Boxer. She’s an extremely smart dog, but it’s difficult to train her because she just doesn’t want too.
July 10, 2020
Nani's Owner
Cody will not put the leash in his mouth or understands to fetch the leash. He has learned and continues to learn to discriminate between his toys and will go and grab me the toy I ask him to but he gets so confused when I say go get the leash. I have thrown the leash like i do with his toys and opened his mouth to put the leash in.
Feb. 17, 2018
Cody's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1128 Dog owners recommended
Hello Nadia, Was Cody ever disciplined or told no for chewing on his leash as a puppy? If he was, then he might be avoiding the leash because he expects to get into trouble if he touches it. If this is the case, then you will need to teach him that it is OK to interact with his leash. To do this, show him his leash, and if he touches it with his nose or mouth, praise him and offer him a treat. If he does not, then touch the leash to him, and praise him and offer him a treat also. Do this until he will touch the leash on his own to get a treat. When he has reached that point, then hold a treat onto the leash, or dab a little bit of peanut butter or cheese onto the leash, and then reward him for licking it off when you encourage him to. Begin to tell him "Leash" whenever he touches the leash. Gradually increase how much he has to interact with the leash with his mouth, by placing treats on the leash or dabbing a little bit of food onto different parts of the leash. Do this until he will willingly put his mouth on it. Once he will put his mouth on it, praise him while his mouth is on it, and then give him a treat right after his mouth leaves the leash. Do this until he will eagerly put his mouth on the leash to get a treat. When he will do it eagerly, then simply tell him "Leash" without putting any food on the leash, and wait at least seven seconds, to see if he will do it on his own. If he does, then praise him, and offer him a treat right after. If he does not, then after several seconds, give him a hint by placing food on the leash. Repeat telling him "Leash" and waiting, until he will put his mouth on the leash before you add food. After Cody will put his mouth on the leash, then gradually lower the leash to the floor, and practice with it on the floor, then when he has mastered that, practice with it a few inches away from him. Continue to move it further and further away as he improves, so that he has to go to it to pick it up in his mouth. Do this until you can toss it away from him and he will go to it and grab it. When he will go to it to grab it, further away, then connect a long leash, such as ten or twenty foot leash, to him, or use an enticement method to get him to come back to you. If you are using a long leash, then when he gets to the leash on the ground and grabs it, quickly tell him "Fetch" in a happy tone of voice, and reel him in with the long leash that is attached to him. Give him a treat when he reaches you. If you are enticing him, then when he grabs the leash in his mouth, tell him "Fetch" in an excited tone of voice, and run away from him, to encourage him to chase you. When he catches you, trade him a treat for the leash in his mouth. For more detailed instructions on how to teach the fetch part of this trick check out this article also: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-fetch Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
Feb. 18, 2018