Training Puppies to Walk on a Leash

Whether you need your dogs to trot along Manhattan's Upper East Side or run free in the countryside, training puppies to walk on a leash is an important skill that can help the both of you enjoy the fresh air without a major struggle. Although the rules for training puppies to walk on a leash may differ, all of them are based on a simple premise, which is "appropriate behavior is rewarded while inappropriate behavior isn't". So, while walking without tugging is appropriate, pulling on a lead is not considered to be appropriate behavior. Also do not just assume that your little pup just knows all this about dog leash training. Here are the steps for training a puppy to walk on a leash.

How to Train a Puppy to Walk on a Leash

Step #1: This first step in leash training a dog should involve letting it get comfortable with the collar. A simple light weight leather collar is ideal for this task. A flat, lightweight nylon or leather buckle-style dog collar should also do the job. Avoid chain leashes as it may injure the puppy due to its weight.

Step #2: Now place the collar around your puppy without the leash. You can do this while you are feeding it or playing. This serves as a distraction from the collar which it will later on probably roll around trying to dislodge or scratch off. Try not to take off the collar when the puppy is obsessing over it, rather, wait till the dog has settled down and forgotten about it before you take it off. With patience and some rewards, your pet dog may surprise you by accepting his new appendage with ease. Also with certain dog breeds you may need to consult your dog's breeder and veterinarian about safety with the particular breed as far as leaving a collar on when the dog is outside unsupervised. This is because some breeds of dogs are especially prone to the collar looping around something and strangling the dog.

Step #3: Once your puppy is contended wearing the new collar, introduce the leash. Some puppies get overwhelmed by an entire leash all at once. So in such a case you can start off with a piece of string or shoelace and add length to it as the puppy gets used to its new "leash". The trick is to allow it to get comfortable with the leash, and show him that the leash is not to be feared. Any light weight, thin leash is fine in this stage. What you need to do is clip the leash onto his collar and let your dog check it out and drag it around the house till it tires of it after a while. Do not let the puppy run around unsupervised as the leash may get stuck onto something and trap the dog.

Step #4: Your puppy needs some conditioning to walk and move before you pick up the other end of the leash attached to the puppy. You can use dog treats to win your puppy over. Using your body language and the puppy's name allow the puppy to follow you during feeding time. Then move around a bit with your puppy, making it look like a fun game, before putting down the dish and giving the puppy its reward for good behavior. Reward your puppy with little treats, games and other things the puppy likes, for moving with you, coming to you, and looking at you can help build up a level of trust in you.

There are times when your puppy will just stop in its tracks or pull at its leash. In such a case, stand still and do not start again until the leash slackens and then praise your pup and walk on. Each time your dog lets the leash loosen up, praise him loudly and show affection. Remember that a dog pulling on a leash can suffer damage to the throat or the person trying to hold the other end of the leash may not be able to control the pulling dog, and can even be injured. Therefore, an important part of leash training is to teach the dog to walk with the leash which is LOOSE and where there is no strain involved. Therefore, rather than pulling the dog around on a leash, or even guiding the dog with the leash, concentrate your efforts in communicating through your voice, body language and various motivators. Read more on puppy training tips.

For more information on how to effectively train your puppy or your full grown dog to be obedient, read more on obedience training for dogs.

It is true that most young puppies resist collars and leads by scratching and collapsing however, do not give up just yet. After all a puppy is constantly learning, no matter what you do. Just make the entire dog training process more fun and try to shape the learning in the right direction. A good job of training puppies to walk on a leash can help resolve and condition many other dog behaviors at the same time. So what are you waiting for, just go right out and have a great time leash-walking with your puppy!