How I Taught My Puppy to Walk on a Leash: A Comprehensive Guide

TLDRLearn how to teach your puppy to walk on a leash with this comprehensive guide. Discover the best techniques for holding the leash, choosing the right collar or harness, and rewarding your puppy for good behavior. Find out how to handle distractions and transition to outdoor walks. Remember to be patient, consistent, and reward-based in your training approach.

Key insights

🐶Start leash training your puppy early to establish good habits and prevent problems later on.

🏞️Begin indoors to familiarize your puppy with the leash and reinforce positive behavior using treats.

👆Teach your puppy to check in with you by rewarding them when they voluntarily look up while walking.

🤝Hold the leash correctly, using one hand to hold it and the other hand to guide your puppy.

🔄Practice turns and changes in direction to challenge your puppy and improve their leash walking skills.

Q&A

At what age should I start leash training my puppy?

It's never too early to start leash training. You can begin as soon as your puppy is comfortable wearing a collar or harness.

Should I use a collar or a harness for leash training?

Both options can work, but consider starting with a harness, which provides better control and prevents neck injuries.

What if my puppy gets distracted and pulls on the leash?

Gently tug on the leash to refocus your puppy's attention and reward them when they return to walking calmly by your side.

How long should leash training sessions be?

Keep sessions short, around 1-2 minutes, to maintain your puppy's focus and prevent boredom or frustration.

Can I use treats as rewards during leash training?

Yes, treats are highly effective rewards for encouraging good behavior. Use a treat pouch for easy access and to keep your hands free.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction and importance of leash training for puppies.

00:35Choosing the right collar or harness for leash training.

01:58Basic leash training techniques and rewards.

04:09Tips for holding the leash and guiding your puppy.

06:19Transitioning to outdoor walks and handling distractions.

08:51Feedback and turns to improve leash walking skills.

10:14Frequently asked questions about puppy leash training.