Standing with your dog to your left, hook your right thumb through the leash handle. Lay the excess length over your right thumb and hold it in your right hand. Now relax both arms at your sides. You should keep the leash on your dog during the early phases of training. Even if he obeys you nine out of ten times with it off, you won t have any way to correct him when he doesn t, and he ll learn that he only has to obey when he s on the leash.
Voice commands are key.
Ultimately, you want your dog to obey you without the leash. Therefore, your voice will become your most important training tool. For commands, use your everyday speaking voice. Praise should come out a little higher and happier. When you say good boy or good girl, mean it and feel it.