How to Get a Stubborn Puppy To Walk On a Leash

As a dog guardian, it is your duty to leash train your puppy or dog for the safety of your puppy and the public. Once leash trained you can go on walks, runs, or jogs with your new friend(s). This not only helps stimulate your puppy but it’s an excellent way to exercise your puppies mind and body. However, if your puppy is experiencing a leash for the first time it can be a challenge. Be patient, some puppies catch on quick while others take more time. It’s very important not to get frustrated around your puppy. He or she can feel this and may rebel. Just like a child a puppy learns best in a stress free environment. Here are some tips to teach your puppy to walk on a leash.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Puppy or Dog
• Patients
• Time
• Leash
• Collar
• Dog treats

1. 

   First things first, allow the puppy to get use to the feel of a collar. Scratching is expected. Try to distract the puppy from the collar by a good game of fetch! Remember not to remove the collar while he is obsessing over it. This will only encourage him to fight the collar. In his mind, if I fight this strange thing around my neck enough times, it will be removed.

2. 

   Place the leash on the collar. Some puppies might feel a little overwhelmed by this step. If this is the case begin with a string, or a shoelace. Adding the collar while eating or playing is a great way for the puppy to get use to something being there. Just like the collar, if puppy makes a big fuss over the leash don’t remove it.

3. 

   Once the leash is in place, distract your little one again with puppy play. Eventually your pup will ignore the leash all together.

4. Now that your puppy is use to the feel of a leash it’s time to pick up one end of the leash. At this time your puppy may freeze. Remember to remain calm. Start again. This time keep the leash loose. It’s a normal and natural response for a puppy to give resistance when he feels a little tug.

5. Follow the dog to start. At other times, have the dog follow you through calls or clicks. At this point it’s very important to resist the temptation of pulling. Keep communicating with your friend through lots of praise and treats.

6. If you pup pulls you stand still. You want to instill pulling of a leash will get you nowhere. This is very important if your guy is going to grow up to be big and strong. In addition, never, ever, pull your puppy. Pulling can cause damage to the neck area. Remember he is eager to please! Have fun with him.

7. 

   Now get your puppy to follow me mode. Make it into a creative game. Most puppies follow you instinctively like they would there moms. Walk a few feet give your puppy praise. Walk a few more feet and give him praise. Eventually you will be on your way to walking your puppy in no time at all. If you have any questions please let me know.

Tips & Warnings

• If you become frustrated try again later.
• A puppy learns best in a calm environment
• Make sure your puppy has some kind of identification on his collar. To many puppies loose there families because they don't have ID. Remember they can tell someone where they live or that they are lost
• Never, ever, pull your dog. This can cause physical and mental damage

[ppedigo69207]

on 11/21/2008 Great article! Really good advice.

[insain]

on 11/4/2008 I have a pom puppy and when i put him on a leash he starts crying and yealping like someone is beating him. What do i do ?If you can contact me at [e-mail]

[Desula]

on 5/26/2008 Thinks - my pup Cookie is terrible on a leash.

[Elizabethknows]

on 5/15/2008 great tips always a pleasure to read your articles!