Many new puppy owners assume that dogs instinctively know how to walk politely alongside them, but this crucial skill requires dedicated training. Teaching your puppy good leash manners is an invaluable investment that will enhance every walk you take together. Esteemed dog training expert and AKC Family Dog columnist Kathy Santo shares essential tips to help you establish a strong foundation for future enjoyable walks with your furry companion. Mastering this skill from an early age will ensure your puppy learns how to keep your dog from jumping up in excitement, making walks a pleasant experience for everyone.
Building the Foundation for Leash Walking
To ensure successful and enjoyable walks, follow these foundational steps to properly introduce your puppy to leash training. This systematic approach will help your puppy develop confidence and good habits.
Introduce the Collar or Harness and Leash
Begin by gently familiarizing your puppy with wearing a collar or harness and a leash. Allow them to wear these items for brief periods while inside the house, especially during playtime and when receiving treats. The goal is for your puppy to associate collar and leash time with positive experiences, making it synonymous with fun and rewards. This early positive association is key to preventing any aversion later on.
Teach a Positive Sound Cue
Introduce a specific sound cue that signals to your puppy that a treat is coming. Common choices include a clicker, a verbal “yes,” or even a tongue cluck. The method remains consistent: in a quiet, distraction-free environment, with your puppy wearing their leash and collar, make the chosen sound. The instant your puppy looks at or turns towards you, reward them with a treat. After several repetitions, you’ll observe your puppy not only looking at you but also approaching you eagerly for the treat. Consistency is vital here to build a strong association.
French bulldog puppy in a harness sitting in tall green grass on a leash for a walk.
Encourage Your Puppy to Come to You
While your puppy is en route to you, still wearing their leash and collar, take a few steps backward. Reward them enthusiastically when they reach you. Continue this progression until your puppy, upon hearing the cue sound, readily comes to you and walks a few paces alongside you. Remember that puppies have limited attention spans; keep training sessions short and positive, ending before they become mentally fatigued. This helps maintain their eagerness to learn and ensures a how to keep my dog from jumping up on you when you call them.
Practice Leash Walking Indoors
Once your puppy understands the “come to you” command, practice walking a few steps in a room with minimal distractions. The sensation of the leash and collar will provide enough of a challenge at this stage. Offer plenty of treats and praise as your puppy learns to walk calmly with you while wearing the leash. This controlled environment allows them to focus solely on the task without overwhelming external stimuli.
Transition to Outdoor Walks
Finally, your puppy is ready to test their newfound skills in the outdoors. This step introduces new challenges, as the multitude of sounds, smells, and sights will be incredibly intriguing. Be patient and keep these initial outdoor walks short. If you notice your puppy is about to lunge towards something or become distracted (keep a close eye on them), use your cue sound and move a few steps away. Reward them with a treat for following you. This proactive approach helps your puppy learn to focus on you even amidst exciting distractions. It also helps prevent issues like how to keep your dog from jumping on people they meet outside.
Basset Hound puppy sitting in the grass on lead.
Troubleshooting Common Leash-Training Issues
Even with a solid foundation, you might encounter some common challenges as your puppy grows, explores new environments, and faces new distractions. Teaching them loose-leash walking is crucial for a more pleasant experience for both of you, and it’s a vital skill for tests like the Canine Good Citizen. The AKC GoodDog! Helpline offers valuable advice for these situations.
Addressing Puppy Pulling
If your puppy begins to pull aggressively in the opposite direction, immediately stop and become a “tree.” Stand perfectly still and refuse to move until your dog returns to your side. Avoid yanking or jerking the leash or dragging your dog along. Alternative training tools like front-hook harnesses and head halters can be beneficial for dogs prone to pulling, providing better control and discouraging the behavior. This also applies to situations like how to keep your dog from jumping on the couch if they are pulling towards it.
Managing Puppy Lunging
If your dog starts to lunge at targets during a walk—such as another dog, a car, or a skateboarder—it’s important to be proactive. Try to redirect their attention with a treat before they have a chance to lunge. Increase the distance between your dog and the trigger. Stay vigilant and be prepared to intervene before the source of their frustration gets too close. While this behavior can be common in herding breeds, any dog can be startled or overly excited by new stimuli.
Dealing with Puppy Barking
Some dogs develop a habit of barking at other dogs while on a walk. Often, this behavior stems from insufficient exercise. Ensure your dog receives the appropriate amount of mental and physical stimulation for their age and breed. If the barking persists, employ the same strategy as you would for lunging: create distance and offer treats before they start to bark. Over time, they will learn to associate seeing another dog with turning their attention to you for a reward. This positive reinforcement can also apply to training how can i keep my dog from jumping on people by redirecting their focus.
Conclusion
Training your puppy to walk politely on a leash is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By following these steps—from introducing the collar and leash to practicing in various environments and troubleshooting common issues—you can foster a well-behaved walking companion. Gradually, you’ll find yourself needing fewer treats and less intervention during walks. Always keep some treats on hand to randomly reinforce good leash-walking behavior, ensuring long-term success. If you encounter significant challenges, remember that expert help is available to guide you through house-training and behavioral issues, making the process smoother for both you and your beloved puppy.
