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Probably one of your dreams as a new puppy parent was to take your puppy on peaceful, gorgeous walks around the neighborhood. However, if you’ve already given it a shot, you’ve probably found that it’s not as simple as you first believed.
Walking is a fantastic pastime since it gives you and your puppy time together, exposes them to new scents and stimuli and gives them exercise. The question is, how do you train your dog to follow your lead while attached to a leash?
Leash training a puppy can be difficult, but it’s a crucial skill if you are to enjoy walks together. It would help if you began honing this talent as soon as you bring your new furry pet home.
It takes time, patience, the correct tools, and lots of practice to teach your puppy to walk on a leash.
How Do You Train a Puppy to Walk on a Leash?
- Get the puppy used to the leash, collar, or harness
Start by allowing him to become accustomed to wearing a collar or harness and a leash. Allow him to wear them briefly while you play with him and give him treats inside the house. Since the collar and leash are associated with fun and food, the dog should adore the time.
- Educate a cue
Introduce a sound cue that signals the arrival of food to your puppy. Some people prefer to cluck their tongues, some people use the phrase “yes,” and some people like to click and treat. Whatever way you choose, it works the same: Make the noise with the dog on a leash and collar in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Give your puppy a treat as soon as he turns to face you or gives you a look. After a few attempts, you’ll see that your puppy is not only looking at you but actually approaching you to get the treat.
- Call the puppy to come to you
Reward him when he arrives at you while he is still on the leash and wearing the collar. Continue practicing until your puppy approaches you and walks a short distance with you in response to the cue noise. Puppy training sessions should be quick and should conclude when your dog is still eager to learn more rather than when they are mentally exhausted. This is because pups have a short attention span.
- Exercise indoors
Now that your puppy is aware of how to approach you, practice taking a few steps in a quiet space. It will be difficult enough for him only to feel and see the leash around him. As your puppy becomes accustomed to approaching you, as indicated above, while wearing a leash, provide treats and praise.
- Bring it outdoors
You’re finally prepared to put your puppy’s skills to the test in nature. This step will provide new difficulties because your puppy will find all the sounds, scents, and sights fascinating and unfamiliar. Keep the first walks brief and practice patience. While you’re out for a stroll, if your puppy seems like he’s about to race for something or get distracted, make your cue sound and move back a bit. If he follows you after that, reward him with a goodie.
We have an infographic titled How Do You Train a Puppy to Walk on a Leash? for pet owners. Let’s explore it.
Puppy Leash Training – What Age?
As with any dog training method, it’s best to begin when your dog is still a puppy. In fact, you can begin training a puppy to walk on a leash as four to six weeks old. Puppies, like young children, pick things up quickly; however, teaching an aging dog new tasks might be more challenging (although not impossible).
How Do You Train Your Puppy Using a Remote Training Collar?
Dog training collars with a remote use a wireless collar receiver and a handheld transmitter. Your dog can then be given a tone, vibration, or static shock to reward or correct behavior by setting the transmitter to send a radio signal to the receiver in their collar.
Training has become easier thanks to the large selection of dog training collars available, which can be used to manage behavioral issues and establish guidelines for your dog. While these collars can help you train your dog, you should never forget that training your dog also involves effort and persistence on your part.
How Should I Choose the Right Collar, Harness, and Leash?
The most popular option is a neck collar, which is great for dogs who don’t want to tug. Harnesses have been more popular recently and are regarded by trainers as an excellent tool for leash training dogs because they won’t cause harm to a dog’s neck or windpipe if he pulls. Additionally, because the leash is attached to the dog’s back rather than the neck, which can spin to the front during a walk, harnesses are less likely to tangle under the dog’s feet.
How Do You Train a Puppy on a Leash?
Keep in mind that teaching a dog or puppy to use a leash requires patience, time, and lots of praise. Therefore, try to be composed and patient with your dog at all times. You and your dog will quickly become experts at walking on the leash if you follow the advice provided below and put forth persistent effort.
- Every dog-human relationship must include leash training.
- You can start teaching your puppy to walk on a leash as early as four weeks old.
- Get your dog accustomed to the collar, harness, and leash first.
- Before going outside, begin your indoor workout.
- Allow your dog to approach you, then give them rewards if they behave well.
- Do not tug on the leash.
- Use a GPS dog tracker for more security and peace of mind.
- Throughout the leash-training process, be patient, encouraging, and nice to your dog.
To Summarize
Walking regularly keeps you and your pet active and delays the onset of many neurological disorders linked to aging. Because of this, you should begin training your puppy to walk on a leash as soon as you bring it home. Enjoy the process and take your time. After all, there aren’t many things better than hanging out with your best friend.
Related FAQs
How long does it take a puppy to become used to walking on a leash?
Answer: If you start leash training your puppy at an early age, it should be able to acquire good walking manners in around 4-6 weeks.
What is the best collar for training on a leash?
Answer: Best collar for training on a leash
- Ruffwear No Pull Dog Harness (Verified Review)
- PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
- Blueberry Designer Basic Dog Collar
What should you do if your puppy refuses to walk on a leash?
Answer: Puppies refusing to walk on a leash is a very regular occurrence. Walking with limited movement due to a leash is odd for dogs, thus we as pet owners should educate puppies and dogs that walking on leash is a good thing.
