A Comprehensive Guide to Train Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash

How to prepare your puppy for leash training

Training your puppy to walk on a leash requires patience, perseverance, and positivity. Depending on your pup’s temperament and personality, the initial acclimation to the leash may vary. But fear not, with consistency and the right approach, your pup will be a pro leash-walker in no time. This article is your roadmap to successful leash training.

Starting off: how to get your puppy used to the collar and leash

In this stage, the goal is to make your puppy comfortable with their collar or harness and leash. The first step involves letting your pup drag the leash around without you holding the end. Ensure to supervise your puppy at all times during this process to prevent any mishaps.

If you have not yet trained your puppy to use a collar or harness, check out our guide to help you do just that before you move on to leash training.

The purpose of this step is to create a positive association with the leash. Don’t forget to reward your pup with treats and praise as they move around with the leash on. Begin with 10-minute sessions and gradually increase the duration as they grow comfortable.

Taking hold: how to gradually introduce tension to the leash

After your puppy has gotten used to dragging the leash around on their own, it’s time to start holding the other end. The trick here is to keep the leash slack, avoiding any pressure that may induce your pup to pull against it. You should follow your puppy around, keeping the leash loose and gradually getting them used to your presence at the other end of the leash.

Gaining control: learn how to properly lead your puppy with a leash

Transitioning from being led to leading can be tricky. To avoid any pressure on the leash, start by luring your puppy to follow you using a high-value treat or toy. The key is to shower your puppy with praise and occasional treats to reinforce the behavior, encouraging them to follow you willingly.

The first expedition: how to take your puppy on their first walk

Your careful leash and collar training will pay off during your puppy’s first walk. Be patient as your pup explores their new surroundings. The excitement of the new smells and areas might cause them to forget their training initially, but consistency and reinforcement will help maintain discipline.

If your pup is lagging or pulling ahead, use the respective tactics mentioned above to help them understand the rules of leash walking. The journey might be slow initially, but the end result will be a well-behaved leash-walking pup.

Troubleshooting: Handling Common Leash Training Issues (Puppy edition)

Sometimes, leash training might not go as smoothly as planned. Your pup might get overly excited by the leash or try to tug or bite it. Understanding their behavior and knowing how to respond effectively can help you overcome these challenges.

Your puppy is afraid of the leash

Some puppies may initially be frightened by the leash or harness. This is natural, especially if it’s their first time being constrained. The key here is patience and positive reinforcement. Allow your puppy to sniff and explore the leash and harness on their own before putting it on them.

Your puppy is biting the leash

Puppies often mistake their leash for a tug toy, leading to biting or tugging. This is a common issue especially in teething puppies. They often find the texture of the leash fun to chew on. 

To handle this, maintain a calm demeanor, stopping completely when they bite, and continuing only when they let go. Using two leashes can also be effective to break this habit. Consistent correction, distraction with toys, and if needed, a taste deterrent applied to the leash can also help.

Your puppy is pupping on the leash when being led 

Pulling is a very common problem that arises when puppies get excited or want to explore their surroundings faster than their human companion can keep up with. It’s important to teach your puppy that pulling gets them nowhere – literally. If they pull, stop walking. Only when the leash slackens again do you continue moving forward.

Your puppy is refusing to walk when placed in a collar, harness, or on a leash

Some puppies might simply plant their feet and refuse to move. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from fear or discomfort to simple stubbornness. Try using toys, treats, or enthusiastic coaxing to motivate your puppy to move, but avoid dragging them along. Praising them with a firm and enthusiastic YES when they get it right can be a great way to help them build a connection between what your expectation is and their behaviour.

Its important here to ensure you’ve followed the protocol we’ve discussed for your puppy to get used to wearing accessories (like the dog collar, dog harness, or leash) – first indoors, then gradually outdoors. They might simply be refusing to walk as they are unfamiliar with these accessories, so allow time for them to like them first. 

Your puppy is overexcited about the leash

When outside, puppies can get overly excited by the new environment full of interesting smells and sights. This can make it difficult for them to focus on walking properly on a leash. Training in quieter, less stimulating environments initially can help manage this issue.

If your dog becomes too excited or anxious when you attempt to leash them, you’ll need to gradually acclimate them to the presence of the leash. Introduce the leash in their environment subtly and let them get used to it being a normal part of their daily life.

Your puppy is distracted by the leash

Puppies are naturally curious and can easily get distracted by their surroundings. This is particularly challenging in urban environments, where cars, other people, and animals can distract your puppy. Training your puppy to focus on you on command can help overcome this problem.

Above all, remember that positive reinforcement is key. Reward your pup when they’re walking nicely on the leash to encourage good behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions on Puppy Leash training

When should I start leash training my puppy?

You can start training your puppy to walk on a leash as early as a few weeks old. This training typically begins indoors (during puppy collar training) with a light leash, allowing your pup to get used to the feeling of something around its neck. It’s important to let them explore and get comfortable with the leash before moving to outdoor walks.

What kind of leash and collar/harness should I use for my puppy?

For a young puppy, a lightweight and adjustable collar or harness, along with a flat leash, is recommended. Avoid retractable leashes initially as they can lead to less control and potential safety hazards. As your puppy grows, you can upgrade to more durable and larger collars, harnesses, and leashes. Be sure to check our guide for the pros and cons of dog collars versus dog harnesses, which will help you choose the best for your pup. 

My puppy keeps biting the leash. How can I discourage this?

Puppies often bite the leash because they’re not used to it or find it entertaining. You can discourage this behavior by redirecting their attention with a toy or a treat. If your puppy continually bites the leash, consider getting a leash made from a material that is less appealing to your pup.

How often and how long should I walk my puppy?

The general rule of thumb is five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. This can vary depending on your puppy’s breed and energy level, so it’s always best to consult with your vet. Remember, puppies need plenty of rest, so don’t overdo it.

What if my puppy is scared of the leash?

Some puppies might initially be scared of the leash. Patience is key. You can start by simply leaving the leash out for your puppy to explore and get used to on its own terms. Over time, you can start holding the leash while your puppy wears it, letting them guide the way around the house. With gradual, positive exposure, your puppy should become more comfortable.

My puppy pulls on the leash. How do I get them to stop?

If your puppy pulls, stop walking. This will teach them that pulling does not get them anywhere. When your puppy turns their attention back to you and the leash slackens, you can start walking again. 

This method will require patience and consistency but can be effective in teaching your puppy not to pull, while at the same time ensuring that you do not cause pain to your pup – physically, by pulling them or emotionally, by yelling at them for not getting it right (nether of these two approaches are something we, at FunkyLeash, or any behaviouralist would encourage).

Should I use treats during leash training?

Absolutely! Treats are a great way to reward good behavior during leash training. If your puppy is walking nicely without pulling, occasionally reward them with a treat and praise. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to repeat the good behavior, and this training approach is also considered the best at building a well-tempered and balanced character in your puppy.

What should I do if my puppy refuses to walk on the leash?

If your puppy refuses to walk, don’t force them. Instead, encourage them with a cheerful tone, pat your leg, or use a favorite toy or treat to coax them into moving. Make sure to shower them with praise and rewards when they do take steps forward. If the issue persists, it may be a sign of fear or discomfort, and consulting a professional trainer could be beneficial.