Outdoor Leash Walking Dog Training Classes

Tucker Pup's offers outdoor dog training classes in Chicago that cover leash walking. In this class, we teach your dog to not pull or jump while on a walk.

This is a four-week mini-course that happens in various outdoor locations in Chicago. We work on leash walking in real-life situations, including on sidewalks, under the el tracks, and past other dogs. The course addresses loose leash walking, jumping on people or dogs that you pass, and dealing with strange noises. This course does not address leash reactivity - this is covered in private lessons.

Locations:

Class 1: We will meet at Skinner Park for an orientation, then will walk around the streets in that area, including past at least one dog park
Class 2: We will meet right outside of Tucker Pup's, then will walk under the el tracks, then down Randolph Street and around the neighborhood
Class 3: We will meet at a location in the West Loop
Class 4: We will meet right outside Tucker Pup's, then will walk to the Chicago Riverwalk, which is downtown. The total walk will last 90 minutes, which includes stopping for a rest and water break, plus incredible photo opportunities with your dog, once we are on the riverwalk at the Chicago River

If a day is rained out, we will improvise, including going inside a store such as Home Depot.

Please note that this class is not intended for overly reactive dogs who would not be able to handle being in a group or passing other dogs. If you are wondering whether this is the right course for your dog, please contact our trainer.

Is there a behavior you're looking to cover but don't see it listed? Call us at 312-829-8787. It may be covered in this or another course, or in private lessons.

How To Enroll

Course Details

Prerequisites: None

Ages: At least 6 months old and with the confidence to walk a relatively long distance at a decent pace. if you currently need helping getting your dog to keep moving, you might need an indoor class or private lessons first. Please feel free to ask our trainer for advice on whether you should sign up for this course.

Maximum class size: 6 dogs. We keep class sizes relatively small to increase the attention given to each person

What you will need to bring:
- 6-foot leash (no retractactable leashes)
- Regular collar (no prong collars)
- Soft treats
- Treat pouch
- Harness is recommended but not required
- Water bottle for your dog (and one for yourself)

Submit payment to hold your spot: Your enrollment is not finalized until we receive full payment. We accept credit and debit cards, checks, and cash. You can submit your card number over the phone if necessary.

Liability Waiver: You must sign our Liability Waiver in order to finalize your enrollment. We will send it to you, and you can sign it on your computer or mobile phone very easily. We would need the signed form before you attend the first class.

Vaccinations: Before the course starts, we must receive proof of the following vaccinations. They must remain current throughout the duration of the course.

You or your vet can fax or e-mail them us. Please supply the documentation at least a day before the first class.

Required vaccinations:
- Rabies if 7 months or older.
- Distemper and Parvo. (typically combined in a vaccination called DHLPP or something similar)
- Bordatella (aka "canine cough" or "kennel cough")
- Canine Influenza (the strain called "H3N2" at a minimum, although we recommend combining the vaccination with the strain called "H3N8" for full protection). Please note: The first time your dog receives this vaccination, it comes in two rounds, three weeks apart. You can start a course with just the first round. There is a nearby walk-in clinic that gives it inexpensively, with no appointment needed and no additional fees. Click here to learn more about this vaccination and why we require it.
You may substitute proof of titers instead of vaccinations if your vet believes titers are sufficient.

If you are concerned that you are missing a vaccination and don't have time to get it done, there is a walk-in clinic a few minutes from our facility that is open seven days per week, and will not charge an office visit fee if you are only there for vaccinations. We're not suggesting that you change your vet if you're happy with them, but this can be very helpful in a pinch.

Significant other: You can bring your significant other or a co-owner of the dog to each class for no additional cost. We recommend this, so that the main people in the dog's life are being consistent in their commands and handling skills. This will maximize your chance of success.

Children: Children who are twelve and older are welcome to attend the courses, as long as they are not being disruptive and stay at your side as we walk. They must be able to keep up, and not slow down the entire class..

Enrolling multiple dogs: You can enroll more than one dog in the course, but each dog must be accompanied by an adult.

Have your dog well-rested: We strongly recommend that your dog stays home and gets light walks on days when she is in a training class that night, so she is at full strength and attention. Dogs who go to daycare or play heavily at the park are normally too tired for class. If your dog normally comes here for daycare on the same day of the week as a training course, we will gladly switch you another day of the week during the course, then switch you back when it's over.

Other: Since this is a walking course, all participants must be able to maintain a decent pace and stay with the group.

Positive reinforcement only: As with all training classes at Tucker Pup's, this course uses only positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. We do not use shock collars or dominance methods to achieve success.

Aggression issues: Group classes are impossible to manage if a dog is snarling, lunging at, or attacking other dogs. If your dog exhibits overly aggressive behavior, you may need a set of private lessons in your home. Please call us for information if necessary. Once the classes start, if your dog exhibits aggressive behavior, the trainer may be forced to ask that he not attend any more classes. If this is the case, you could still attend the classes, just not your dog. Please note that classes are non-refundable so if you are uncertain, it is important to talk through it with the trainer before enrolling

Refund and cancellation policy: As is the case with most training businesses, our classes are non-refundable unless you cancel seven days in advance. This is because class size is limited, and by saving a space for you, we likely turned down a space for another customer. Click here for additional information about our cancellation and refund policy.

Private lessons: Most dogs do not need private lessons in addition to a training course. However, you may find that you need some help with a particularly challenging behavior in advance of the course's start date. If so, the trainer can likely come to your home or meet you at a central location to give a private lesson.

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