Leash training is one of the most important skills you can teach your puppy. Not only does it make daily walks more enjoyable, but it also ensures your puppy’s safety and helps you maintain control in various situations. Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or an experienced owner, mastering leash training will help create a harmonious bond between you and your puppy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of leash training, with helpful tips on choosing the best collars and harnesses to use for your puppy’s training. We’ll also recommend some high-quality products available online to make the process even easier along with a podcast from a reputable dog trainer for those who like to listen instead of read.

Podcast: No Bad Dogs Episode 258

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-bad-dogs-podcast/id1347746953?I=1000656966834

Why Leash Training is Crucial for Your Puppy

Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s quickly review why leash training is so essential:

• Safety: A leash keeps your puppy safe from dangers such as traffic, other dogs, or getting lost.
• Control: It allows you to maintain control in unfamiliar environments, preventing your puppy from running off. Also helps your hired dog walkers.
• Socialization: Leash training helps your puppy meet other dogs, people, and environments in a safe and controlled manner.
• Good Behavior: Proper leash training helps reduce undesirable behaviors such as pulling, jumping, or lunging.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about how to get started with leash training!

Step 1: Choose the Right Equipment

One of the most important aspects of leash training is choosing the right collar or harness for your puppy. The right gear ensures comfort, control, and safety as you start the training process. Here’s how to choose the best options for your pup:

Collars vs. Harnesses

• Collars: Collars are ideal for puppies who are comfortable wearing them and who don’t exhibit excessive pulling behavior. They’re often used for more relaxed walks and are great for everyday use.
• Harnesses: Harnesses are better suited for puppies who pull, have sensitive necks, or are still learning to walk. They distribute pressure more evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of neck strain.

Recommended Collars and Harnesses for Puppies

1. Collars for Puppies
   • Soft Touch Collars – Adjustable Puppy Collar
     This soft nylon collar is gentle on your puppy’s neck, adjustable for growth, and comes with a durable buckle. It’s a great option for puppies who don’t pull excessively but need something comfortable and stylish. Available on Amazon.
2. Harnesses for Puppies
   • PetSafe Easy Walk Harness
     If your puppy is prone to pulling, the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness is a fantastic choice. The front-clip design discourages pulling by gently steering your puppy to the side when they tug on the leash. This harness is simple to use and comes in various sizes. Find it on Chewy.
   • Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
     The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness is another great option, especially for puppies who are still getting used to leash training. It has both front and back attachment points and is made with a padded chest for comfort. It’s a reliable and adjustable harness that grows with your puppy. Available on Amazon.

Step 2: Get Your Puppy Used to Their Collar or Harness

Before you start using the leash, it’s important to get your puppy comfortable wearing their collar or harness. Follow these steps:

1. Start Indoors: Put the collar or harness on your puppy inside your home. Let them wear it for short periods of time at first, gradually increasing the time they wear it as they get used to the sensation.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Give your puppy a treat and praise every time they accept wearing the collar or harness. This will help them associate the new equipment with something positive.
3. Let Them Move Around: Allow your puppy to explore the house or yard while wearing the collar or harness. The more they move around with it, the faster they’ll get used to the feel of it.

Step 3: Attach the Leash

Once your puppy is comfortable wearing their collar or harness, it’s time to introduce the leash. Here’s how:

1. Let Them Drag the Leash: Allow your puppy to drag the leash around indoors or in a safe, enclosed area like your backyard. This allows them to get used to the feeling of the leash without the pressure of it being attached to you.
2. Supervised Play: While your puppy is dragging the leash, you can engage in play or let them explore. Always supervise to prevent tangling.

Step 4: Start Walking Indoors

Once your puppy is comfortable with the leash attached, start practicing walking indoors or in your backyard. Use treats to encourage your puppy to follow you. Here’s how:

1. Encourage Movement: Hold a treat in front of your puppy and encourage them to walk toward it. As soon as they take a step forward, reward them with praise and a treat.
2. Keep It Fun: Training sessions should be short and positive—about 5 to 10 minutes. Ending each session with praise will keep your puppy motivated.

Step 5: Teach Loose Leash Walking

One of the most common challenges in leash training is teaching your puppy to walk on a loose leash. If your puppy pulls, here’s what to do:

1. Stop Walking: If your puppy pulls, immediately stop walking. Don’t move forward until they return to your side or stop pulling.
2. Wait for Calmness: Wait for your puppy to calm down, either by standing still or returning to your side. Once they do, reward them with a treat and resume walking.
3. Consistency is Key: Each time your puppy pulls, stop and wait for them to calm down. Over time, they will learn that pulling gets them nowhere, and walking calmly gets them rewards.

Step 6: Take It Outside

When your puppy is doing well indoors, it’s time to take them outside for their first walk. Choose a quiet, low-distraction area for your first few outings. Some tips for success:

• Stay Calm: Your puppy may be distracted by new sights, smells, and sounds. Be patient and guide them back to you when they start to pull.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Continue to use treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Reward your puppy for walking calmly beside you.
• Socialize on Walks: Leash training is a great opportunity to expose your puppy to different environments, other dogs, and people. This helps with socialization and builds confidence.

Step 7: Consistent Practice

Leash training requires patience and consistency. Keep training sessions short and fun, but practice regularly—multiple times a day if possible. The more consistent you are, the quicker your puppy will learn how to walk nicely on a leash.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Pulling: If your puppy continues to pull, try the “stop and go” method or change direction when they pull to redirect their attention.
• Biting the Leash: Puppies love to chew on things, and the leash can be a target. Redirect them to a toy or treat, and praise them when they focus on walking instead of chewing.
• Fear of the Leash: If your puppy is scared of the leash, take things slow. Use treats to build positive associations and make the leash a fun part of their routine.

Final Thoughts

Leash training your puppy is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With the right collar or harness and consistent, positive reinforcement, your puppy will quickly learn how to walk calmly beside you. Whether you’re just starting out or need to refine your puppy’s walking skills, patience and practice are key.

Remember, every puppy is different, so adapt your approach to your puppy’s personality and pace. By investing in the right equipment, like the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness or the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness, and following these simple training steps, you’ll be able to enjoy stress-free walks in no time!

Happy training, and here’s to many enjoyable walks with your well-mannered puppy! 🐾