Leash Training Puppies in 3 Simple Steps

Apr 4

Leash training puppies can be a frustrating process; however, it is a crucial skill that must be mastered to ensure your dog’s safety and your sanity. Leashes are a way to keep your dog safe when going for walks, to the vet, or simply out and about. You do not want your puppy dragging you all over the place.

Just remember during this process that once you have followed the leash training puppies tips outlined, then your puppy will be much happier because she will be able to enjoy your company on walks, rather than constantly get into trouble. Taking the time now to leash train your puppy will ensure a happier and more relaxing time for both you and your puppy.

Leash Training Puppies – How Long will it Take?

Leash training puppies can take only a few days; however, depending on your puppy, it could take up to a couple of weeks. During this time, be prepared to be very patient and to give a lot of love. This is new for your puppy, and she will likely not want to be tied down.

Leash Training Puppies Step 1 – Introduce the Collar

The first thing you will want to do is introduce your puppy to a collar. You will want a simple, light weight leather collar. Put it on your puppy when you feed him or as you are playing. Putting it on during this time will distract him while you put it on.

Once he realizes that you have put a collar on him, he will likely start to roll around and try to dislodge it or scratch it off. It is very important that you do not remove the collar while he is trying to get it off. You must wait until he has settled down and has completely forgotten it is on before you take it off.

Introduce the Leash

Once your puppy can wear the collar without it bothering him, then you can introduce the leash. You will first want to show it to him so he can see it is not something he has to be afraid of. Use a light weight, thin leash during this step.

Simply clip the leash onto his collar. Allow him to check it out by letting him drag it around. Never leave him unattended with the leash. He will eventually forget it is on him. This step simply helps him to realize the leash is not something to fear.

Going for a Walk

Once your puppy is comfortable with his collar and the leash, you can pick up the opposite end of the leash. The first leash training lessons should be simple, short, and fun. Start by simply walking around the house with the leash in your hand. Your puppy should trot along side of you. When he is walking next to you and the leash is loose, give him a lot of love and praise.

When he starts to strain, and he will, stop immediately. Do not ever yank him back over to you. Simply call him back over to you and praise him when he comes. If you keep walking when he is pulling on the leash, you are teaching him that this is behavior that is acceptable and will reinforce this habit.

Your puppy needs to understand that he will not get anywhere when he pulls on the leash and that if he wants to continue going for a walk, he will have to be right by your side. If your puppy sits down during a walk, don’t yank him. Call his name and reward him when he comes. Continue your walk when he is by your side.

Leash training puppies is a simple process; however, it will take a lot of love and patience from you. Leash training puppies is rewarding when you can go for a walk without being dragged down the street.

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Comments

Larry Sohoke
May 20th, 2011 at 4:24 AM
Pretty good plan. Have you ever seen Barbara Woodhouse? “Walkies!!!” Man, I’ve seen her yank the leash really hard. For myself, I used a very long 15 foot training leash on a local soccer field. Mr. Tibbs thought he was running free. Soon he realized he could only travel about 15 feet from me and he was ok with that. Then gradually I would shorten the leash until I had him at the regular length. THAT’s when I started all the other stuff like heel, stop, etc. He was a pretty good learner and picked it up in no time.
One warning though– if you do something like that and then take your dog down a street with heavy traffic, expect that he might freak out a little until he gets used to the commotion.
Anja
September 20th, 2011 at 9:22 AM
Good description, but please don’t put a collar on your puppy! Same thing works on a harness and you avoid putting strain on the very soft trachea of a puppy. Once he is about 7-9 month old (depending on breed) you can put the collar on, and if he learned to walk on a leash properly with a harness on it will transfer easily. Done it many times with client’s dogs and of course also my own.

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