A puppy’s early months are absolutely incredible. That little bundle of joy is so inquisitive and energetic, offering hours of entertainment and fun and a ton of amazing bonding time with your new buddy.
But the early months aren’t just about love; they’re also the best time to start training, too. In fact, most new dog owners look forward to taking their companions on long walks at around this time. There’s nothing wrong with outdoor adventures (long walks on the beach, anyone?); that said, it’s important to take it slow and use the right methods when leash training.
Want to get it right? Consistent effort, positive reinforcement, and a little bit of patience win the day. Follow this guide to get started!
When to Start Leash Training Your Puppy
It is usually safe to start walking young dogs around 12 weeks of age, but that doesn’t mean you should just plop a leash on and head out the door. Puppies have bones that are very prone to injury; their growth plates don’t fully close until well after puberty. This means you do have to be careful with exercise before that point. You also need to consider the fact that your puppy may not yet be fully vaccinated against contagious diseases, like parvo.
Create a Reward System
Decide what you will use as a reward system before you even start training your puppy on the leash. Treats are the most common option, but you do need to consider the caloric load of dog treats into your pup’s overall diet if you take this road.
Ultimately, anything your dog really loves (that’s safe) is suitable; you just need to make sure it’s something you can control. The item also needs to be small enough for your pup to accept as a reward without slowing your progress as you walk and train.
Some people find carrying dry food works, while others find breaking treats up into smaller bites is more effective. Reward your pup when you put the leash on, and during play or training, but not when you remove the leash.
Start with the Collar
Start by putting a collar and leash on your puppy regularly, right at home. As a general rule of thumb, have him wear the collar first until he gets used to the feeling; then, add the leash and let him drag it around the house.
Your pup’s first collar should be a simple flat, lightweight collar that fits securely around his or her neck – no choke collars or anything extreme to start. Make sure the collar you choose is sturdy and fits properly, and try to avoid choosing a collar that your pup will “grow into.” These rarely fit properly and may create a risk of escape.
If a collar doesn’t work, you do have the option of using a halter-style restraint instead. These are often better for puppies and dogs who pull.
Your puppy may be nervous about having a collar on, so go slow. Start with some happy play and then put the collar on for a while. Leave it on for a few minutes and then, if your dog seems upset, take it off. Try to distract them by starting up your play session again.
Put the collar on a few times a day for the first few days, then try leaving it on for an extended period of time.
Play with the Leash
Don’t use the leash as a toy – but do get your pup used to its presence. Start with a lightweight leash and attach it to the collar. This will cause it to pull down a little bit, adding pressure, which can feel really strange to puppies at first. Give him time to get used to this sensation before you start holding the leash.
Put the leash on while in a safe play area, like your yard, and then proceed to play catch or practice your training commands as usual. Let the leash trail behind your pup as he plays. Watch to make sure he doesn’t get his legs tangled up; you may want to consider cutting the hand loop off if it becomes an issue.
Do this a couple of times per day for two or three days before you start handling the leash more. Try not to let your puppy stop and chew on or play with the leash itself as you play (although this can admittedly be difficult).
Try Walking Inside
Not sure how your pup will react to you being on the other end of the leash? Start by taking short indoor walks up and down your hallway or around your living and dining areas. While your ultimate goal will be to get your dog to walk next to you, it’s perfectly fine to let your puppy take the lead during your first set of walks. Just don’t let them pull you along like a wheelbarrow!
When you’re ready to start training your dog to walk next to you, entice him with a treat.
No matter where you walk, hold the leash at your waist level, but not too tight. Pulling on your puppy will instinctively cause them to pull away. Give your pup a little room to explore. Turn and walk in the other direction if they start to pull at you.
Skip the Commands
Getting your puppy used to the leash is more important than diving right into a training session. Skip the verbal commands while you’re introducing the collar and leash. You can teach your dog to “heel” and follow other walking-related instructions a little later on.
Once your puppy is used to the leash, focus on getting them to stop pulling ahead or lagging behind on your walks. As you master those feats, you’ll find it’s easier to start incorporating commands.
Stay Calm
No matter what you do, stay calm. Training a puppy to get used to a leash is no small feat, but you can’t train him to walk with you or go on extra long outings without settling this piece of the puzzle into place first. Getting angry with your puppy for resisting or not behaving as you expect will only teach them to fear the leash instead of love it.
It could take days, or even a couple of weeks, to fully train your young dog to accept the collar and then the leash. Make the act of putting the leash on completely natural, just like any other part of your day. The more relaxed you are, the calmer your puppy will stay throughout the entire process.
Getting your pup to walk (or even someday run) while on a leash opens your world up to tons of opportunity. Just remember that puppies are like babies: they’re young, excited, and curious about the world around them, and that can translate into a lot of frustrating behaviors at first. Be patient, and try not to rush the process. Your puppy will progress wonderfully at their own pace.