Should I Put a Leash on My Puppy? (Solved & Explained!)

While the leash takes away some fun of going outside, puppies will joyfully accept it if you introduce it to them right. Using a leash on your puppy is vital for your puppy’s health, as well as for the safety of your new pup, as well as to make future training simpler for both you and your dog.

Continue reading to learn why you should start leashing your puppy from the beginning, how to train your new pup to walk on a leash, and more.

Why You Should Leash Train Your Puppy

The most fundamental reason for leash-training your puppy is that you don’t want them to become accustomed to yanking on the leash, especially when they grow powerful and obstinate in maturity. Furthermore, training your dog later will be more difficult since there may be more undesirable behaviour to unlearn.

Choosing The Best Collar and Leash for Your Puppy

It may not appear to be a huge problem but picking the appropriate collar and leash for your dog is crucial. To avoid frightening your young dog, your pup’s new collar should be as unintimidating as possible. You may be tempted to purchase the nicest leash and collar in the store but doing so might result in your training not going as quickly as you’d anticipated.

Choose a collar that isn’t too heavy. Anything that is too hefty for your dog may cause discomfort. A standard flat collar can also be used.Make sure you pick a collar that fits your dog correctly, not one that they may outgrow. To select the suitable size, measure around your puppy’s neck, allowing two fingers to fit between the collar and the puppy’s neck.

A soft, lightweight leash is the finest choice for your young dog. A nylon leash is an excellent option. Accept the reality that you’ll need to buy a new leash when your puppy grows older, and don’t worry if the current one isn’t strong enough for an adult retriever.

When To Begin Leash Training Your New Puppy

Puppies can begin walking on a leash when they are very young, as young as four to six weeks old. It is best to begin training a puppy as soon as possible since they absorb most of their information at a young age.

You may start walking your puppy on a leash as soon as they are old enough for outside workouts, housebreaking, and other activities. However, ten weeks old is the optimal age for leash training, which comprises teaching them correct leash etiquette.

How to Leash Train Your New Puppy

You can’t expect to slap a collar and leash on your dog and start walking them around immediately. It’s a gradual process that you should take cautiously, just like any dog training.

Teach Your Puppy to Associate Their New Leash with Positive Reinforcement

Take the leash from behind your back and pull it out. When your puppy stares at it, mark the occasion with “Yes!” or a clicker and reward them with a goodie. Then make the leash vanish behind your back. Repeat until your dog is fascinated or excited by the sight of the leash.

While your high-value items are secured and loaded, attach the leash to your dog’s collar or harness. Mark the occasion with a “Yes!” or a click, then treat your dog. Take off the leash and repeat until your puppy accepts the leash with ease.

Allow Your New Pup to Become Accustomed to Their Leash

Leash your puppy inside the home and take them on short walks to explore the nooks and crannies. Sweeten the deal by strewing snacks around the corners as you walk. You may also praise them for appropriate leash conduct that you see.

Moving Leash Training Outdoors

You’re now ready to face the outer world. Puppies haven’t had much exposure to the outside at this point in their life, so everything is new to them.

If you have the option, start walking them in a controlled environment, such as a yard, where distractions are minimized. Otherwise, try to choose a calm neighbourhood street rather than going directly to the nearest commercial zone, where your pup may feel overwhelmed.

Increase your puppy’s exposure gradually during the first two years of their life. Remember always to consider your puppy’s immunization and neuter status when deciding where to take your new puppy since you don’t want them to become sick or attacked.

Troubleshooting for Leash-Training Your New Puppy

What Should You Do If Your Puppy Lunges on the Leash?

Be proactive if your puppy chases something while out on a walk, such as another dog, a car, or a skateboarder. Before your dog has an opportunity to lunge, consider refocusing its attention with a treat.

This increases the distance between your dog and the goal. Stay vigilant and prepared before the source of his rage reaches too close. This sort of behaviour is more typical in herding breeds, although any dog might be shocked by anything new or exciting to them.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Pulls on the Leash?

If your dog starts tugging in the opposite direction, convert yourself into “a tree.” Hold your breath, and don’t move until your dog comes back to you. Don’t yank or jerk the leash and avoid dragging your dog after you. Alternative training tools for pulling puppies include front-hook harnesses and head halters.

What Should I Do If My Puppy Barks While Walking on a Leash?

While on a stroll, some dogs tend to bark at other dogs. This type of behaviour is typically the result of a lack of exercise. Check that your dog is getting enough mental and physical stimulation for its age and breed.

If the problem persists, use the same steps you would if your dog was lunging. Establish distance and provide rewards before they begin to bark, so they become accustomed to diverting their focus to you whenever they see a dog.