How to Train Puppies to Stay Close

Teaching a puppy to stay by you takes time and discipline. Each puppy learns at its own pace; some will learn how to do this in a week, and for others, it could take months. The advantage of owning a dog that stays near you is that you can walk it without a leash and take it more places. You can also let it outside without having a fence. This also helps decrease the chances of the dog running off.

Instructions

  1. Training in Large Areas Outside

    • 1

      Go to a safe, outside area like a backyard. Use an area that isn't near the road.

    • 2

      Have one person stand with the puppy, and hold its collar. Have the other person stand at the far boundary of the space. If more people are helping, have them stand around the boundary area. Use a small boundary area at first, and then gradually increase the area every two to three sessions.

    • 3

      Release the puppy, and let him act as normal. Watch the puppy as he walks near the boundaries; if the puppy starts to go out of bounds, instruct him to stop, or call him over. Use a consistent phrase, such as "too far," "come back" or "stop," to say to the puppy when he gets too close to the boundary. Do not use this phrase for any other training.

    • 4

      After the puppy starts to mind the boundaries (he doesn't try to run off), stop holding his collar when you first go outside. Have both people stand in one spot, and let the puppy wander around the allowed area. Use your chosen phrase if the puppy gets close to the boundary.

    Training While Walking

    • 5

      Hook the puppy to a leash. Walk the puppy normally, and hold the leash so that the puppy must walk directly next to you. Walk by houses with other dogs, past cars and by as many distractions as possible.

    • 6

      Say a phrase, such as "stop," "halt" or "heel," to scold the puppy each time it starts to pull on the leash or wander. Use this phrase only during these occurrences to keep the puppy from becoming confused.

    • 7

      Once the puppy walks successfully by your side without taking off or pulling on the leash, go to a low-traffic area, and remove the leash. Use your phrase if the puppy starts to wander off.