Leash Training 101: A Guide for Training Your Puppy to Walk with a Leash

Leash training is an essential part of raising a happy and healthy puppy. Walking with a leash keeps your puppy safe and allows it to exercise, explore, and meet new people. Although leash training can be a challenge, there are steps you can take to make it easier.

Get the right size leash and collar

Getting the right size leash and collar is necessary when looking for golden retriever puppies for sale or other breeds. A short leash can cause discomfort for your puppy, while a long leash can make it difficult to control your puppy. Ideally, a leash that is six feet long is best for most dogs.

There are different collars, including flat collars, martingale collars, and harnesses. Flat collars are the most common type of collar and are suitable for most puppies. Martingale collars are ideal for dogs that tend to slip out of their collars, and harnesses are for puppies that tend to pull or have respiratory issues.

Introduce the leash and collar

Once you have the right-sized leash and collar, it’s time to introduce your puppy to them. Start by letting your puppy sniff and explore the collar and leash. You can put the collar on and off a few times, so your puppy gets used to the sensation.

When your puppy is comfortable with the collar, attach the leash to it and let your puppy drag it around the house. Allowing your puppy to pull the leash around will help them get used to the weight of the leash and the feeling of being connected to you.

Start with short training sessions

Leash training takes time and patience, so start with short training sessions of 5–10 minutes. Choose a quiet area without too many distractions, such as your backyard or a quiet park.

Hold the leash loosely and let your puppy explore their surroundings. If your puppy pulls or tries to go in a different direction, gently redirect them back to you with a treat or a toy. Do this process several times a day, gradually making the training sessions longer each time.

Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful training tool to help your puppy learn to walk on a leash. Whenever your puppy walks nicely on a leash, reward them with praise and a treat. Avoid punishing your puppy for pulling or misbehaving. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior and redirecting your puppy’s attention when they start to pull or wander off.

Be consistent

Use the same commands and techniques every time you go for a walk. Consistency will help your puppy learn what you expect of them and what behaviors are unacceptable.

If your puppy starts to pull or misbehave, stop and wait for them to calm down before continuing the walk. Be patient and persistent, and your puppy will eventually learn to walk on a leash.

Learning to walk on a leash will benefit your dog’s health, but walking a dog significantly benefits the owners’ health too. Once you learn to walk your dog correctly, you can add this to your exercise routine of going to the gym or exercising at home.

Before you go

Leash training is an essential part of raising a well-behaved and happy pup. With the right equipment, positive reinforcement, and consistency, you can make the training process a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend.

Remember that every puppy is different and will learn at their own pace, so don’t get discouraged if yours doesn’t get it right away.