A walk should be an enjoyable outing for you and your dog. It may not be so enjoyable, however, if your dog drags you along the entire route. Training your puppy for loose leash walking now will prevent this from being an issue as the dog approaches adulthood and his pulling becomes both annoying and dangerous. Dogs often slip collars and harnesses when they pull at their leashes. They also pull the leash out of their guardians' grasp. Loose leash training a puppy requires consistency each time your dog attempts to pull on the leash.
Things You'll Need
- 15-foot training leash (not retractable)
- Training treats
Instructions
Take your puppy to an area with few distractions.
Place the leash on your puppy and start walking.
Go in the opposite direction from the puppy.
Stop and walk towards the puppy when the leash becomes taut.
Go in a different direction if the puppy walks away from you.
Give the dog lots of attention and a treat if he stays until you approach him or if he comes to you.
Turn and walk away. If the puppy follows you, give her lots of attention and a treat. If she doesn't follow you or walks in a different direction, start over at step 3 and repeat until the dog walks with you.
Stop and go in a different direction every time the leash gets taut.
Go to a regular leash as your puppy's skills increase.
Practice your puppy's loose leash training in areas with more distractions as his loose leash walking becomes more consistent.