A dog calmly walking on a leash is such a natural sight for us that we may overlook the time and effort that go into leash training. Yet leash training is a critical part of your puppy’s upbringing. It will make your outings with your canine companion much more enjoyable and keep them safe in public places.
What’s the best way to leash train a puppy? At our dog training center in Houston, we take a simple and effective approach toward leash training. All you need is a collar and leash, some treats, and a bit of patience.
When Should You Start Leash Training?
You can begin leash training your pup at the age of eight to 12 weeks or whenever you bring them home. The earlier you start, the easier it will be for your furry friend to learn good leash habits.
However, remember that puppies up to four or five months old have less focus and a lot more energy than adult dogs, so be patient. Start in small steps and give them the time they need to learn to walk on a leash.
For young puppies, leash training is easier with a harness than a collar. Once your canine is a little older and used to the harness, you can switch to a collar later.
We advise against retractable leashes. They can actually encourage your dog to pull, which is hugely counterproductive during leash training.
Introduce the Harness and Leash
At first, show your pup the harness without the leash. Let them inspect and sniff it. Make sure to offer treats to create a positive association with the harness.
Start by putting the harness on your pup for brief periods, and give praise and treats each time. Gradually increase harness time until your pup is comfortable wearing it. Play with your pup while they wear the harness, or put it on right before mealtime so your puppy associates it with food.
Once your puppy is used to the harness, attach the leash. At first, let your pup walk around while dragging the leash. Offer a toy or another distraction if the leash seems to be bothering them.
Teach Your Pup a Sound Cue
The best way to leash train a puppy involves tons of positive reinforcement, which means treats. For treats to work effectively during leash training, your pup must associate them with sound cues. The sound can be clicking, saying “yes” or another simple word, or tongue clucking. You want to create a connection between food and the sound.
Make your chosen sound while your pup wears the harness and leash. Give the pup a treat as soon as they look at you. Once you repeat this a few times, they’ll start coming over to get the treat when you make the sound.
Distraction management is vital during cue training. Teach your pup cues in a calm space without loud noises or anything else that might compete for their attention.
Start Walking
Try walking together once your puppy is used to wearing the harness and leash. It’s best to begin indoors, in a quiet space with few distractions.
Your goal is to help your pup see that staying near you is a positive thing that will bring rewards. This will encourage your canine to walk with you rather than pull on the leash.
Start by attaching the leash. Show your puppy a treat and give it to them while they’re near you. Begin taking small, slow steps away from the puppy. Give them another treat when they come to you. Use the sound cue associated with treats. It’s best to give the treats consistently on the side where you want your pup to walk (either your left or your right).
As you walk, put a bit of tension on the leash. Release the tension as soon as the pup comes near you for the treat. Give the treat to the puppy at their height rather than making them jump.
Repeat these steps: walk, treat, praise. If your puppy begins to tug on the leash or gets distracted, try to set them into position again, but don’t push them too hard — it’s better to take a break and try again later.
Take Leash Training Outside
The best way to leash train a puppy is to gradually transition your canine from a carefully controlled training space to real-life situations.
Once your puppy consistently follows you on the leash indoors, head outside to a place that’s still quiet but offers more distractions, like your back yard or the quiet street near your home. Practice until your pup walks reliably on a leash in that area.
Gradually introduce your puppy to busier places with more distractions. Walk in different directions and change speeds. Keep praising your puppy and giving them treats when they look at you and stay near you. Gradually reduce treat frequency as they get used to walking on a leash.
What If Your Pup Pulls on the Leash?
Even if you do everything right, your puppy will pull on the leash occasionally. They may do this when they see something that interests them (like a squirrel) or just because they want to explore.
Stop walking as soon as your dog pulls on the leash. You can apply a little tension to encourage the pup to come near you. Offer a treat when your dog walks by your side again. While you train, bypass strong distractions that compete for your pup’s focus, like other dogs.
Give Your Pup Solid Leash Training With Peace Love Dogs
Learning the best way to leash train a puppy can be challenging, especially if you’ve never done it before. Professional help from our dog trainers can save you a lot of time and frustration.
The programs we offer at Peace Love Dogs include four weeks of intense day training that will teach your canine not only leash skills but also obedience, crate training, and healthy socialization habits.
Call (346) 639-3629 or complete our quick online form to schedule puppy training.
