Puppy Leash Training

Everybody has seen frustrated owners being dragged along by their dogs or fruitlessly tugging on the leash while their dogs sit stubbornly on the sidewalk. To avoid these exasperating situations, training your dog to walk on a leash is essential. The method here is designed especially for young puppies, as it makes leash training an encouraging experience that involves no tug-of-wars between puppy and master.

  1. Introducing the Leash

    • A few days after your puppy arrives at his new home (and experiences his collar for the first time) comes the introduction of the leash. A fairly long lightweight leash is ideal. Just clip the lead to your pup's collar but do not hold the end. Instead, allow your puppy to check out this new device by sniffing it, playing with it and dragging it around. Be sure you are supervising your puppy during this time. Leave the leash attached for a couple of minutes at a time two to three times a day, gradually increasing the time with each session. It will not take long for your puppy to realize that the leash is not to be feared.

    Holding the Leash

    • After spending about two weeks acclimating your puppy to his collar and lead, you are ready to hold the leash while he is attached. You need to show your puppy that the leash represents a connection between you and him, one that you are in charge of. Basically, you need to establish yourself as alpha dog.

      Attach the leash to your puppy's collar and stand in one spot with your puppy moving around you, allowing him to tug on the leash and then loosen it. When your pup pulls on the leash, ignore him. Do not tug back. When your pup stops pulling and comes close to you, praise him enthusiastically. With excited praise, show your puppy that this is not a scary experience and that a loose lead is what pleases you. Do this for only a short time (maybe three minutes) two to three times a day for a couple of days.

    Controlling the Leash

    • When your pup understands the leash's meaning, you are ready to start walking.
      Start by taking a couple of steps forward. As you do this, say your chosen command, such as "heel." If your pup moves with you, praise her. Then stop walking. Here, your puppy will likely become excited again and try to continue trotting forward. Do not follow her, yank on the lead, yell or do anything else to excite her. Instead, merely stand in your spot until she returns to your side. You must remain extremely tranquil during this process so that your manner rubs off on your puppy. When she finally sits beside you, pat her to show that you are pleased, then, saying your command, take a few more steps forward. Allow your puppy to trot along beside you but immediately stop walking when she starts to tug on the lead. When she relaxes, always offer her quiet praise. When you are able to take a few steps without any tugging, stop and reward your pup.

      Start with five-minute training sessions in an enclosed environment. Gradually increase the length of the session. At the same time, demand that she walk longer distances correctly before giving her a treat. After several private sessions, your pup will be ready to walk contentedly on a loose leash in public.