Leash Train Your Puppy in 4 Simple Steps
Puppies can be unpredictable.
When it comes to leash training, you never know what to expect. Some may take it well; others may not. Regardless of which category your puppy falls, leash training your puppy is crucial.
If you have been wondering how to leash train your puppy, here are 4 simple steps that will significantly help you.
1. Select the correct leash and collar for the puppy
It may sound like such an obvious thing in how to leash train a puppy. However, it is important. There are different types of leashes out there, and it might be confusing which one you should get. For puppies, you should choose a light flat collar and a light leash. It is easier for a puppy to get accustomed to this type of a collar and leash. You can move to another type when the puppy grows bigger.
2. Help the puppy get used to the collar
After you have chosen the right collar and leash, the next step is to assist your puppy get used to them. First the collar, then the leash. If you want to leash train successfully, it is important for the puppy to feel safe and secure with the collar. Slipping the collar on his neck can make the puppy feel insecure and under pressure. To avoid this, start by putting the collar when you are interacting with him or when the puppy is playing with another dog. It will create a distraction from the collar. You should not tighten the collar, if you do, the tension in his neck might make him develop an adverse attitude towards it, and you do not want that to happen. You can also try slipping it during meal times. Associating the collar with food will achieve better results. If you notice that, your puppy is scratching on the collar, try to distract your puppy with a toy or play with him. It will make him forget the discomfort of his neck and eventually s/he will get comfortable with the collar.
3. Attach the leash
Your puppy is comfortable with the collar; it is time to attach the leash. When you attach the leash, you should be prepared for anything. It is one thing for the puppy to have a collar on his neck but is another to have a leash hanging from the collar. It may make the puppy feel like you are trying to imprison him. It might take a while before s/he gets used to it. However, it would help if there is another dog to play with while the leash is still attached. If it is not possible, play with your puppy or engage in a fun routine. While you are at it, occasionally pick the leash and encourage the puppy to come to you. If s/he does reward him. Puppies are very playful. As such you should keep an eye on your puppy when you attach the leash. Tangling and accidents may happen if the puppy is left unmanned.
4. Learn to leash walk
Some puppies will naturally walk on your heel, but others will not. If yours does not, you will have to train him. Some puppies will sit and refuse to walk. If he does this encourage him to come towards you with a reward. Others will keep yanking on the leash. If this happens, stand still and let the puppy realize, that if he wants to go anywhere, he should do so by your side. Start leash walking in places with little distractions, then later move to areas with more distractions. Even if the puppy stubbornly refuses to walk, never yank him. While training your puppy to leash walk, establish, and use the same words over and again. For example, “let’s go” when it’s time to move or “sit” when you are standing.
If you were wondering how to leash train a puppy, there you have it. Leash training a dog is hard not hard but, it requires patience. It may take a while to successfully leash training your puppy. Though the progress may seem slow, do not give up. Dogs are habitual animals. With just some persistence and an established routine, your puppy will be leash trained in no time.
