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Many dog owners can be tempted to wait to start their puppy on leash training later when their dog has grown a bit more and walking on leash and pulling becomes more of an issue.
Even if your puppy stays close to you now and you don't think you need it!
Puppies in the first year or so tend to stay near their people but as your dog gets older, bad habits tend to emerge, slowly at first but they can quickly get out of control. Leash training can be way tricker than a lot of people realize, and you want to give your dog and yourself every advantage as you master loose leash walking (aka walking with no pulling). Starting early gives you and your puppy a jumpstart on learning leash walking more easily.
Your puppy is growing - with legs getting longer and stronger rapidly and your pup's natural pace increasing. Your puppy will soon be walking faster than you without having any idea he/she is outpacing you.
Remember to be tolerant, as well as vigilant, during your pup's first few months of loose leash training. Your patience now will pay off exponentially with a lifetime of more relaxed, happier walks together.
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Contrary to popular belief, dogs who pull on the leash while being walked do not want to be pack leader, top dog, alpha dog, or dominant over their human. There is a much simpler explanation for a dog pulling on the leash: dogs love to be outside, and the walk is a stimulating and exciting part of their day, so the desire to push ahead is very strong.
The leash is for much more than walking. It's the absolute best way to control where your dog can and can't go during the first year of training.
A leash, though vital for safety, can also be frustrating for a dog, because being "tied' to a person essentially stops a dog’s ability to act naturally. That being said, all dogs should be taught how to walk on the leash in a positive way without being jerked, yanked, choked, or shocked, so that walks can be enjoyable for everyone.
Old-style leash training was about "popping the leash" and creating an unpleasant consequence when a dog doesn't behave ideally on a leash. Professional certified trainers and behaviorists have long moved past this outdated, discredited idea.
You'll want to focus on motivating your dog to do something good rather than correcting your dog. Motivating your dog to engage in behavior you want to see and rewarding them enthusiastically is the surest way to success in dog training - and building your bond of trust in the process.
That's what positive reinforcement training is all about - based in science and how you always want to work with your dogs.
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Now let's jump into the how of puppy leash training. You can watch as I go through all these steps with Spirit in the accompanying video below. You'll be able to see the timing and tone of these training sessions and what I mean by making it fun for your dog and being your puppy's best cheerleader!
A training walk is about getting our dogs in the habit of paying attention.
How to do each level step by step...
(You can see how I'm working with Spirit in the video with each step.)
In the next two outdoor scenarios, you're introducing the possibility of distractions coming into play. The beauty of training walks is you can use distractions as an opportunity to get your dog to listen to you. Remember to be tolerant and patient with your pup - being distracted is just part of being a puppy.
Health note: Remember to make sure your puppy is properly vaccinated before taking your training outside to public spaces.
You'll notice in all three of these scenarios I have a happy voice and act interesting to encourage Spirit to want to stick with me.
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Make leash training something your puppy loves doing. Make it super fun for your dog. You'll both enjoy it more, have less stress, and your dog will progress much more quickly.
It's not just about giving your dog a treat every time he/she does something good...
Let your puppy know you sincerely appreciate how much he/she is trying. So share the love, big time!
If your dog knows you appreciate his or her attention and effort and feels rewarded for good behaviors, even incrementally, you're laying the groundwork for learning everything not just leash skills.
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If your dog gets especially rambunctious during leash training, you most certainly need to exercise your puppy before your training sessions. Take some time for some good, hardy play so your puppy - or your adult dog - will be at an even energy level to be calm and ready to learn.
Harnesses: A harness is a must-have for leash training and walking. (You'll notice I'm using a harness with Spirit in the video.) No matter your dog's size, a collar can put pressure on your pup's neck and throat with the slightest amount of pulling (which can happen with even well-trained dogs when they spot other dogs or see something of interest and lean in for a sniff).
Harnesses also allow for a better feel between you and your dog when your bodies shift so you can stay in sync. Since a harness distributes any pressure evenly across the shoulders and torso, it's a healthier choice to protect your dog's neck during dog or puppy walking.
Leashes: A regular 6-7 foot dog leash is your best leash for walk training. Just make sure the size and weight of the hardware matches your puppy's or dog's size so you're not weighing down your pup. Never use a retractable leash; they're dangerous for dogs and humans in a number of ways and don't give you the good control you need.
Remember to practice, practice, and, most of all, enjoy your pup!
Learn three practice exercises to teach your puppy on leash training and ensure enjoyable walks for both of you.
Now that you've mastered leash training a puppy and know how to make it a fun and successful experience for your pup, here's to many happy walks together!
Check out the rest of the Puppy Channel for more on training or jump over to the Life Stage Feeding Channel to find out the foods a certified canine nutritionist recommends for your puppy's best health.
If you have any questions on leash training or any training with your new dog or puppy, just ask us in the Community discussion! Or get customized training help in your dog's plan here.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this website and community is based on the research, expertise, and views of each respective author. Information here is not intended to replace your one-on-one relationship with your veterinarian, but as a sharing of information and knowledge to help arm dog parents to make more informed choices. We encourage you to make health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with your vet. In cases of distress, medical issues, or emergency, always consult your veterinarian.