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How To Get Your
Puppy To Walk On Leash
Good leash walking is very important for your dog, as it sets the
stage for the main method of giving your dog exercise
that you will use over the rest of your puppy’s life. When you are
going to begin puppy training your dog to walk on a leash, you want to
make sure you do it right the first time, because bad behaviors tend to
persist into adulthood.
Start
From the Beginning
The first thing you need to do
is get your puppy
comfortable with the collar. Do not just snap on a collar and put on a
leash – your dog needs a chance to adjust to whatever they are going to
be wearing, even if that takes several hours and even if your dog acts
as though it is the worst thing in the world. Be sure and give your dog
treats when you put the collar on and reward your dog any time they are
not showing bad behaviors.
Attaching
the Leash
The next step is to attach the
leash but not
pull your dog around. Let the leash drop so that your puppy walks
around with it hanging behind them. Be sure and reward your puppy when
the leash is on and shower them with affection whenever they are not
showing bad behaviors.
Lifting
the Leash
The next step in your puppy
training is to
grab your end of the leash. However, do not tug at the leash as you
would when you are walking your dog. Instead, follow your puppy close
so that they are used to your presence with the leash but are not
scared away by the tug on their neck. Continue your reward and praise.
Next it is time to take your
dog outside.
Now is a good time to teach your dog to walk on the side of you that
you are most comfortable with, so keep your dog there and reward your
dog with treats for sticking on that side. The first few times you walk
with your dog, limit the amount of time you do so, but gradually
increase the length over time until you can continue to walk without
incident.
Other
Notes on Leash Training
- Do not let your puppy lead you by pulling you towards
your
destination. If your puppy pulls, give it a gentle but slight pull on
the leash so that their necks are pulled backward. This will represent
a mild discomfort to your dog, which will help it learn not to pull you
forward.
- Teaching your dog the “heel” command will make leash
training easier.
Puppy training is a great way
to bond with
your pet and help it learn good behaviors that will last until it is
older. With the tips that you learn from the advice provided in our free
newsletter, you can learn more useful tips for training your
puppy.
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