Everything you Need to Know about Puppy Leash Training

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Leash training can be intimidating to some people, but for experienced dog owners, it is nothing more than a routine. Indeed, properly walking on a leash is just one of numerous things that a puppy will learn during its life.

Although it may seem like basic training, it is a skill necessary for social integration. Puppies that cannot walk on a leash can pose a threat to others and more importantly, to itself.

There are lots of things you need to keep in mind so we decided to invite the puppy expert Lene Kaufmann and to learn about proper dog training from an expert.

Puppy training basics

All puppy trainings have several things in common.

First and foremost, they are meant to develop discipline and good habits in young pets. They will teach them obedience and how to behave in various situations. Like with little babies, these lessons will serve them for the rest of their lives.

It is also a way of developing a relationship. Any type of a training can be either a positive or a negative experience for a young dog; it all depends what you make of it. Owners who disrespect their dogs and beat them will have issues going forward. In fact, it is something that can cause a severe trauma to the animal. You should teach a dog through persistence and repetition instead.

Keep in mind that pets look up to you; they follow your lead and instructions no matter what. Verbal communication can be used for puppy training but to a limited extent. This is why you have to rely on body language. No matter what, try to create a consistent message. If you start using different commands, dog can easily get confused and is less likely to behave the way you wanted it to.

Lastly, try to have fun. While these training are very important, they shouldn’t be stressful either for you or your dog. It is a great chance to bond and create memories that will last for a lifetime.

Here are some specifics when it comes to leash training in particular

How to do a leash training

As soon as your dog is old enough, you should start taking it out.

But the training starts before that. It starts a few weeks prior.

Ideally, a dog needs to learn how to walk on a leash before you go outside. There will be lots of distractions so you at least have to cover some basics. How do you do that? By training the puppy at your own home.

You can either do it within the house or in your backyard. First, put on a leash. Puppies usually resist them strongly but they have to get used to them. Once you put a leash, try walking around together. This will teach a puppy how to walk properly without tripping too much. Still, mistakes are to be expected.

After these few initial weeks, you are ready to go outside.

But as you know, dogs tend to get crazy during walks. A puppy will likely start pulling the leash and this is something you need to stop immediately. You can approach it in two ways: either completely stop or start going in the opposite direction.

When you stop, the dog quickly learns that it should walk according to your pace. In the second case, when you change direction, it leaves a dog confused. If you start going in the direction from which you came, the puppy will become reluctant and less inclined to pull.

You also have to be mindful of lunging.

Dogs tend to lunge at other dogs and people. This is something that needs to be prevented. You can do it by using a command or distracting a puppy. Find a method that will attract its attention and prevent it from thinking of this person/dog.