How To Get Your Puppy To Walk On Leash
I am obsessed with dogs, but having a puppy is a wild ride. They are tiny little fluff balls full of unbridled energy, which means you have to wear them out, otherwise, they will wreak havoc. One of the best ways to do so is by taking your pup on daily walks. That being said, teaching your dog to walk with a leash is easier said than done. To make your life a little easier, here are some tips on leash training your furry friend.
Have Your Puppy Wear A Leash And Harness At Home
First and foremost, you should purchase a 6-foot leash and a harness that fits your pup. You can also go for a collar, but I have found it easier to go on walks with young dogs when they are wearing a harness.
You should immediately get your pooch used to the leash and harness by having them wear it around the house.
Walk Around Your Home
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The next step is to walk your dog around your house. This should enable your furry friend to get the hang of going on a stroll by your side without any distractions.
Use Treats
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Once you think your puppy is ready, take them to walk on a leash in public.
Remember that treats are your friend! Instruct your pup to keep their focus on you and reward them with a tasty treat when they do so.
“It’s super important to use lots of treats because it will give you the opportunity to build communication with your dog and over time as they become more used to walking with you in distracting environments, you won’t need the treats,” explained famed dog trainer Zak George in a 2017 YouTube video.
Do Not Allow Them To Pull
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While out on a walk, your puppy will likely try to pull. You'll want to stop this behavior, but try your best to not tug on the leash. Instead, just stop walking. Your pup should soon realize that they can’t get any further. Call them back to you and once they are by your side, hand them a treat.
Keep It Fun
If your dog decides that they no longer want to walk, George recommends getting “peppier to get [your dog’s] attention” on you.
“Dogs like it when we’re fun,” explained the dog trainer.
Try walking around in a circle and speeding up to keep your dog interested in walking on a leash.