Leash training is important for all dogs – it helps to keep them safe, as well as other people and dogs around them, but it’s not always easy to get it right.
In the US, dog ownership laws can vary between jurisdictions, so you might find that dogs need to be kept on the best dog leashes if you don’t want to be fined. And, in the UK, a temporary new law is currently in action that requires dogs to be kept on a leash when near livestock or on open access land – including forests, lakes, and beaches – to protect ground-nesting birds.
So, wherever you are in the world, leash training is vital. And, Dr. Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com, has offered some expert advice so we know what to do when leash training a puppy.
Dr. McCormack advises getting one of the best dog harnesses, a lightweight lead, a collar and ID tag, and some delicious treats. Keep in mind that leash training isn’t an obedience exercise – the aim is a dog who’ll happily walk beside you on a loose leash.
Tips for leashing training a puppy
1. Start indoors in a quiet area without a collar, harness, or leash.
2. Reward your pup with a treat whenever they are next to you, regardless of which side they’re on. Dr. McCormack describes this as making the space beside you a “magic spot” for them.
3. Repeat until your dog understands that being next to you means getting treats.
4. Hold a treat near their nose, take some steps forward, and then reward them.
5. Step up the distance you walk, bring in some turns, and adjust your speed.
6. If your dog moves ahead of you, lure them back to you with a treat and simply continue.
7. Try in different rooms and in the backyard – but keep it fun and engaging and offer plenty of treats and praise for positive reinforcement.
Tips for introducing a leash and harness
1. Ease your puppy in and let them sniff and explore the harness first.
2. Use treats to encourage them to place their head through, offer more treats and praise, and then remove the harness.
3. Gradually increase the amount of time they wear the harness, with plenty of treats to hand, and when they’re comfortable attach a lightweight leash.
4. When they’re used to the leash, you can repeat the steps above while they’re wearing it.
Remember, too, that walking a puppy can be frustrating. They might get excited and pull on their leash.
“In these moments, be consistent,” says Dr. McCormack. “Stop, use your voice to call them back, reward them, and continue walking. It takes two to pull, and once you develop this habit, it can be hard to break.”
For more advice, here are the most common loose leash walking mistakes (and how to fix them). Find information on the types of dog leashes available here, too.
