Leash training for puppies: Everything you need to know

Leash training for puppies: Everything you need to know

Every puppy training is the same yet different. They usually revolve around having patience and ample treats. In that sense, leash training is no different. You need to create a nice atmosphere, a few basic commands and prepare for the worst. However, if you give it enough time, there is no way you will not succeed. As a result, you will have a well-behaved doggie with whom you’ll have lots of fun.

Here are some basic tips we got from the puppy training experts at Kaufmann’s and steps that you will need to follow in order to train your puppy how to walk on a leash. Read on!

• Be patient

Like with any other type of dog training, patience is the key. You shouldn’t get frustrated no matter what happens. Have in mind that puppies are rather restless and easy to excite so you are bound to have some issues. Just make sure to remain consistent, use the same method of teaching and you will be alright.

• Don’t use force

No matter what you do, don’t use force. You might get frustrated along the way but it’s crucial to keep your cool no matter what. The worst thing that can happen is you alienating your puppy. Even if you’re outside and your puppy starts throwing fits, make sure to respond properly. In the end, you’re the adult one!

• Get him used to a collar

Before you go outside its necessary to teach your puppy about harness and collar. You shouldn’t just go outside all of a sudden. Instead, do some exercises beforehand. You should also try walking together and simulating the real walk. Puppy should get accustomed to a feeling of collar and even if starts throwing a fit, you need to press on. Persuade a puppy to come to you by using small treats. Then put a collar on it. After a while dog needs to learn that a collar is actually a positive thing; that when you put a collar on him this means you’re going outside for a walk.

• Make sure that a puppy doesn’t get overly excited before a walk

Like with everything else, if a puppy gets too excited problems will start appearing. It will start pulling the leash as much as possible wanting to get to the park as soon as possible. Have in mind that dog will always be excited to an extent; just make sure it doesn’t go overboard. If it starts running around, pause for a few minutes and then go out.

• Pulling on leash

With that being said, pulling on leash is the most common issue that dog owners encounter during walks. So what do you do? Nothing! Just stay put in place and wait for a puppy to stop pulling. Always remember that you’re the one in charge and that you shouldn’t allow dog to dictate the tempo. Instead, it needs to know that you’re going according to your own pace. This is important not only for walks and going outside but everything in general. It is the basis for puppy’s discipline.

• Dog stopping

Sometimes a dog may stop during the walk. He might start pouting or throwing a hissy fit. If that happens, go to it, try to pet it a bit and motivate it to continue. You can also try to sway it to your side by giving it a treat.

With these simple tips, your dog will learn how to walk with a leash. Make sure to be patient, full of love and take things slowly. Through repetition, the whole process will be a breeze.