How to Scold a Puppy for Bad Leash Behavior

Show your puppy that you are the pack leader by walking slightly in front of it.

It is important to begin training your dog when it is young, and this includes how to walk on the leash. This should be taught using positive reinforcement by praising and giving the puppy treats whenever it walks beside you in the correct way. If the puppy is trained this way, it can prevent negative behavior. If the dog misbehaves, there are appropriate ways to correct its behavior.

Things You'll Need

• Treats
• Leash
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Begin the walk with a relaxed puppy. If the puppy becomes excited when the leash is put on wait quietly for it to relax and sit down. Once the puppy is relaxed, immediately begin the walk. This will teach the puppy that it is good to relax and will also help to prevent unwanted behavior on the walk.

2. Correct the puppy if it is distracted by something or if it is pulling away from you on the leash by giving it a quick sideways tug on the leash. Be sure not to be too harsh when you do this. When practiced correctly, the action will simply surprise the puppy enough for you to then get its attention. Now carry on moving forward with the leash relaxed and praise the puppy as he follows you.

3. Scold a puppy that nips, mouths or chews your clothes you as you walk by saying "no" in a stern voice. The stern tone is the most important factor of this correction. Mother dogs often growl at nipping puppies to show them who is boss. Always address biting behavior in a puppy as this can easily turn to dominance and aggression as the puppy gets older. You can also carry a spray bottle full of water with you to spray the puppy whenever it goes to bite. Use this in combination with the stern "no." Never hit the puppy or hold the muzzle closed after a bite as this is ineffective and can make the situation worse.

4. Encourage a reluctant puppy to walk on the leash by asking a friend to bring along an adult dog who is well-behaved on the leash. Dog psychologist Cesar Millan recommends using this method to get nervous or fearful dogs to enjoy walking on the leash. In the case of a reluctant puppy, never scold as you first want the puppy to enjoy the walk and continue to move forward.

References

• Cesars Way: Cesar Millan Puppy Tips
• All Experts: Dog Training - My Naughty Puppy, Training, Trainer