Training Your Dog to Walk Beside You – Step-by-Step Guide

Few things are more satisfying than walking your dog and having them calmly and confidently trotting right beside you. Not pulling, not zig-zagging — just enjoying the walk as a team.

If that sounds like a dream, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to train your dog to walk politely next to your side, whether you’re walking in the neighborhood or downtown on a busy street.

Why Teach “Walk Beside Me”?

Teaching your dog to walk beside you:

• Enhances safety in busy or high-distraction areas

• Builds stronger communication and focus

• Reduces pulling and leash frustration

• Makes walks more peaceful and enjoyable

What You’ll Need

• A standard 4–6 ft leash (avoid retractables)

• A comfortable flat collar or front-clip harness

• High-value treats or a favorite toy

• A clicker (optional but helpful for marking behavior)

• Patience and a positive attitude!

Step-by-Step: How to Train Your Dog to Walk Beside You

Step 1: Pick a Side

Choose which side you want your dog to walk on (left is traditional, but either side is fine). Be consistent.

Step 2: Start Indoors or in a Low-Distraction Area

Begin in your living room, backyard, or driveway where distractions are minimal.

• Stand still with your dog beside you.

• Use a treat to lure them into the correct position.

• Say a cue like “Let’s go” and take a few steps forward.

• Reward when your dog stays next to you.

Step 3: Use a Marker and Rewards

Mark the correct behavior with a click or a word like “Yes!” and immediately reward with a treat.

• Reward often at first — every 2–3 steps is fine!

• Gradually reduce treat frequency as your dog improves.

Step 4: Add Distance and Distractions Slowly

Practice in:

• Quiet streets

• Local parks (at off-peak hours)

• Busier sidewalks (once your dog is ready)

If your dog starts pulling or drifting:

• Gently stop walking

• Call them back to your side

• Reward once they return

Step 5: Use the “Follow the Leader” Game

Make yourself fun to follow!

• Change direction often

• Praise when your dog follows

• Throw in short jogs, turns, or zigzags

This keeps your dog focused on you, not the environment.

Step 6: Practice the “Look at Me” Cue

Train your dog to make eye contact when you say “Look at me.” This improves focus and redirects attention when needed.

Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice!

Short, daily walks are more effective than long, inconsistent sessions. Train for 5–10 minutes at a time and always end on a positive note.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Letting the dog pull sometimes — this teaches inconsistency

• Using harsh corrections — this damages trust and enthusiasm

• Ignoring success — always reward when your dog does it right

Advanced Tip: Teach a Formal “Heel”

Want a more structured version of walking beside you? Train the “Heel” command, where your dog maintains tight alignment with your leg. This is ideal for:

• Obedience training

• Crowded areas

• Service dogs

Start with “Walk” or “With Me” for casual walking, then level up to “Heel” if needed.

A well-behaved dog starts with the right training—and the right trainer. At Off Leash K9 Training in Pittsburgh, we don’t just teach commands—we build relationships. Our expert trainers focus on helping your dog achieve calm, obedient behavior both on and off leash. Whether you need help with leash pulling, barking, reactivity, or basic manners, we customize each program to meet your goals. Your dog deserves the best, and so do you. Take the first step toward better behavior by calling us today at (724) 761-2001.