Many new puppy owners assume that their canine companions instinctively know how to walk politely on a leash. However, this essential skill, crucial for safe and enjoyable outings, requires careful training and consistent practice. Mastering How To Get Your Puppy Walking On A Lead will not only make your daily walks a pleasure but also foster a stronger bond. Dog training expert Kathy Santo, a columnist for AKC Family Dog, offers valuable insights and actionable steps to help you achieve this. This guide will cover foundational techniques and common troubleshooting tips, ensuring your puppy becomes a well-behaved walking partner. Learning to train your puppy to walk effectively from a young age sets them up for success on future adventures.
Establishing a Strong Foundation
Introducing Your Puppy to Collar, Harness, and Lead
The first step in how to get your puppy walking on a lead is making them comfortable with their gear. Let them get accustomed to wearing a collar or a harness and a leash for short periods inside, during playtime or when giving treats. The goal is for your puppy to associate leash time with positive experiences, making the equipment less intimidating.
Teaching a Positive Reinforcement Cue
Introduce a sound cue that signals a treat is coming (e.g., clicker, “yes,” or tongue cluck). In a quiet area with your puppy on leash, make the sound. The moment your puppy looks at you, reward them. After repetitions, your puppy will actively approach you. This builds a positive response, essential for how to get your puppy walking on a lead confidently.
French bulldog puppy in a harness sitting in tall green grass on a leash for a walk.
Encouraging Your Puppy to Follow You
Once your puppy understands the cue, encourage them to follow you. While they are coming, take a few steps backward. Reward them as soon as they reach you. Gradually extend this until your puppy, upon hearing the cue, readily walks alongside you. Keep training sessions brief and end them while your puppy is still eager, remembering their limited attention spans.
Practicing Inside for Confidence
Now that your puppy understands coming to you, practice walking a few steps in a familiar, distraction-free room. The feeling of the leash will be enough of a challenge. Offer treats and praise as your puppy learns to walk alongside you. This indoor practice helps solidify their understanding before outdoor environments. Early success in training is a great precursor to other essential training, such as potty on command.
Transitioning to Outdoor Walks
Finally, your puppy is ready for the great outdoors. This step introduces new challenges as sounds, smells, and sights will naturally distract them. Exercise patience and keep initial outdoor walks short. If you notice your puppy preparing to lunge or showing signs of distraction, immediately make your cue sound and take a few steps away. Reward them for following you. They will learn that focusing on you is more rewarding than succumbing to distractions, crucial for how to get your puppy walking on a lead safely.
Basset Hound puppy sitting in the grass on lead.
Leash Training Troubleshooting
Even with a solid foundation, issues might arise as your puppy matures and faces new distractions. The ultimate goal is loose-leash walking, which is more pleasant for both of you. Here are tips from the AKC GoodDog! Helpline on common challenges.
Addressing Puppy Pulling on the Leash
If your puppy begins to pull aggressively, stop and become “a tree.” Stand still and refuse to move until your puppy returns to your side and the leash slackens. Never yank or jerk the leash. This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere. For persistent pullers, front-hook harnesses or head halters can be effective. It also helps prevent other behavioral issues, like learning how to stop dog barking.
Managing Lunging Behavior
When your puppy attempts to lunge towards distractions, proactive intervention is key. Before they lunge, redirect their attention with a high-value treat. Increase distance between your dog and the object of their fixation. Stay vigilant and be prepared to act before the target gets too close. Any dog can be startled, making understanding how to get your puppy walking on a lead calmly around distractions crucial. Beyond basic leash manners, some owners aspire to train dog off lead.
Handling Excessive Barking on Walks
Some puppies bark excessively at other dogs or people during walks, often stemming from a lack of physical and mental stimulation. Ensure appropriate exercise for their age and breed. If barking persists, use the same proactive strategy for lunging: create distance and offer treats before they bark. Consistently reward them for turning their attention to you whenever they spot another dog. This helps them associate other dogs with positive reinforcement, improving how to get your puppy walking on a lead quietly. For specific guidance, explore how to train husky puppy to pee.
Conclusion
Gradually, you will notice a decrease in the number of treats required and the frequency of troubleshooting needed during your puppy’s walks. However, always keep some treats on hand to randomly reinforce good leash-walking behavior. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the cornerstones of successful leash training. By diligently applying these techniques, you’ll teach your puppy how to get them walking on a lead confidently and politely, turning every walk into a joyful experience for both of you. If you encounter persistent challenges, professional guidance is available. Resources like the AKC GoodDog! Helpline offer personalized advice from certified trainers, providing unlimited support on everything from house-training to complex behavioral issues, ensuring you have all the tools to raise a well-adjusted companion.
