Young puppies, like toddlers, learn best if you start working with them early and are consistent. Their brains are evolving at an amazing rate, creating new connections and memory pathways. that’s when they learn the fastest. If you want a puppy that grows up to walk quietly by your side, now is the time to start leash training your puppy!
I have found that I get the best results when I start training a puppy between six and eight weeks. This is usually a simple workout, nothing complex. As with any training, you want to start with the simple basics and work your way up to more complex tasks.
Your first task is to get him used to wearing a collar. I recommend you go with a durable and easy release collar. You may go through a few of them before your dog is fully grown, but it’s important to get the right size and check the fit often. You should be able to easily fit your fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. It will be too tight to slip over your head, but loose enough to be comfortable and secure. Once you get used to wearing the collar, you can begin leash training.
You’ll probably notice right away that your puppy won’t be too keen on being on a leash. He will probably walk away from you and desperately try to get away from the leash. When this happens, call him back to your side. I usually pat my thigh twice, say his name, followed by the word “come.” (Slap, slap, “Spot, come.”) Reward her obedience with a treat. Do this consistently. The goal is for him to sit at your feet and only walk when you walk.
When your puppy has learned to sit quietly at your feet, you can start walking a few steps. Be prepared: the sights and smells are likely to distract you and make you forget the lesson you just learned. You’ll want to run out and explore every sight, smell, and sound. Keep his first walks short and preferably somewhere with few distractions.
When your puppy pulls on the leash, call to him and reward him with a treat. While it is acceptable to give the leash a very gentle tug, it is never okay to tug on the leash. This can insult your dog. If you’ve already taught your pup to “come” (the first lesson I’d give him!), you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting him to come back to you when he starts wandering off.
The two most important tips are consistency and positive reinforcement. It may take up to 3 weeks to leash train your puppy. But, don’t give up. Work on it every day until he’s walking quietly by your side on a slack leash. Before you know it, you’ll be walking your pup, instead of him walking you!
