How To Train Your Puppy To Walk On A Lead
How To Train Your Puppy To Walk On A Lead
- A collar or harness – make sure you have a good quality harness or collar that fits your puppy correctly, not too loose or tight – you should check the size by being able to fit two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck.
- A lead – you will obviously need a lead, one that is the suitable length for you. Make sure it is attached securely to the collar or harness, allowing for safe walks and proper training. A training lead may be a good start.
- Treats – rewarding your puppy for good behaviour will encourage them to keep on doing what they should, and it allows them to recognise being obedient with something positive and rewarding.
How to lead train your puppy
- Introducing the harness or collar
The first thing you will want to do, even before going outside, is to equip your puppy with the correct collar or harness to allow them to get used to it. Let your puppy become comfortable with wearing the collar, and make sure it isn’t too tight or too loose – you should be able to fit two fingers between the dog’s neck and the collar.
- Attach the dog lead and start to practice
It is a good idea to make sure you’re comfortable with the chosen lead, and make sure your dog is secured correctly. Being on a lead is something your pup will need to get used to, so it is a good idea to take them on a practice walk around the garden with the lead.
Keeping the lead slightly slacked will make sure the dog doesn’t notice as much, giving them more of a gradual introduction into lead training in the safety of your garden.
- Associate the lead with positivity
Whilst your dog is training to walk with a lead, you want to associate this time with positive things, such as playtime or treats. Taking your dog off the lead in between sessions to play will not only relate the training to a fun time, but also get your puppy used to coming off and on the lead.
Carrying treats with you as you train your dog to reward them for good behaviour will link lead training with positive reinforcement such as treats.
- Take your puppy for a walk
Once your puppy has become used to the lead and doesn’t seem agitated or stressed from wearing the gear, you can start to safely adventure outside. As this will be a new experience for your puppy it is important you remain under control and patient as your puppy may become very overwhelmed, excited or over-stimulated. As you continue, this will mellow down and become part of the routine. Just remember to reward your puppy for good behaviour!
- Using commands
Now you’re training your puppy to be on a lead, it may be useful to teach them commands whilst doing so, such as sit, heel or stay. These will help you whilst lead training to create a safer space for your puppy and as long as you stay consistent, you will avoid any risk of confusing your puppy.
The importance of puppy leash training
Lead training your puppy can be very important for different reasons, with some of the most important being the health benefits your furry friend will receive. Lead training your puppy provides an opportunity to exercise your dog and keep them healthy, which is very important at a young age so they can develop and grow properly and in a healthy state.
Your puppy will also gain mental stimulation from being lead trained, allowing your pet to explore new environments is essential to their development and growth. Not only that, but also the training itself is great mental stimulation for your pup, keeping them active mentally and physically. Lead training can also improve your dog’s overall obedience and responsiveness which makes other training easier in the long run.
Lead training trouble?
You may run into some issues when training your pup, which is quite common. Here are some tips on what to do if you’re having trouble with lead training.
If your puppy pulls: Pulling can be very common with dogs, and the best solution is to stand firm and refuse to move until your dog realises this and comes back. Try not to pull or yank the leash, and do not pull your dog. The more consistent you stay with refusing to let the puppy pull, the faster they will learn to stop doing it.
If your puppy barks: Barking whilst on walks can be a result of too little exercise. Making sure your puppy is getting the proper amount of exercise and stimulation can prevent this from happening. If this continues even with the exercise increase, it may be a smart idea to create distance from other dogs, gather his attention and offer a treat before he starts barking. This will teach your dog to give their attention to you when other dogs are near, and that barking is not needed.
Just remember that consistency is key, having proper teaching patterns will help your puppy learn quickly and avoid confusion. Treating them for good behaviour will let them learn what to keep doing correctly, and most importantly, be patient!