How To Leash Train A Puppy

How to leash train a puppy is not as easy as you might think but it is worth the effort to be able to take the pup out on a walk. Puppies like being with their owner and you will love being with your puppy! The steps for leash training are easy to follow and both you and the puppy will benefit from the effort.

Before you start make sure to get the proper size collar and leash. Ask the breeder, the vet or at the pet store. Both the leash and collar should be a good fit for your puppy's size. Too big and he'll get it off , too small and you could hurt your pup. It is always best to ask.

The first step to leash train a puppy is to put the collar on the pup. At first the pup will work hard at trying to get it off. Do not remove the collar any time that he is trying to get it off. This lets the pup know that the collar is something he will have to get used to. It takes a little while for this to happen. Have him wear it several hours a day, but keep a watch on him so he doesn't get it caught on something and hurt himself while he is trying to get it off.

When he is accustomed to the collar, the next step in leash training a puppy is to attach a leash to the collar. Let the pup know you aren't going to hurt him. Be gentle and consistent, talk to your pup all through while you are doing it.

The puppy will pull on the leash. You will have to resist pulling the puppy. At first, do this in your home or your yard and leave the leash loose. Let the puppy get used to the leash, pulling it around the yard and playing with it.

When you move on to walking the puppy with you holding one end of the leash, you need to achieve a balance. Do not pull the puppy around by the leash and don't let the puppy pull you. Use your voice and talk to the puppy, let him know what you are doing. He will get the hang of it. It takes time.

This will be an ongoing learning process. Every walk will be a lesson in leash training for the both of you. Do not tug on the leash, and don't let the puppy run off. Use your body language and the tone of your voice.

The ideal walking situation is where the dog walks happily near to the owner, with the leash hanging a little loose between them. When the dog stops to investigate something that interests him, the owner stops too. When the owner wants to continue the walk, he calls the dog with his voice, he doesn't pull on the leash. When the dog wants to go faster, he walks a little ahead, but he doesn't pull on the leash either. Well .... I said that was the ideal situation! But you should have that some of the time, if not 100%.

Continue with consistent training, never forgetting to reward the pup with attention when he or she gets it right. When you have mastered how to leash train a puppy, your little dog will always walk with you instead of trying to walk you.