Leash Training Your Puppy | An Important First Step

The sooner you start training your puppy to walk with a leash the sooner he will be able enjoy a walk with you. Training him in this manner is not always an easy task. Your new puppy may become afraid of the collar and leash, mostly because it is a totally new concept to him. You should introduce these items in a loving and calm way so that the experience is a positive one for him. It is a good idea to make sure you buy him a collar with an I.D. tag, a short leash, and his favorite treat before you start the training session. You need to make sure you purchase a regular collar, one that will last him until he grows to adulthood. Choke collars are not necessary for this type of training. All that's needed is a little patience, some positive reinforcement, and the basic supplies mentioned above. You can begin the training process by gently putting the collar comfortably and securely around his neck. At first he may paw at the collar and roll around, but remember not laugh at him as this will only encourage him to continue. Remember also not to punish or scold him as this will only make the leash training more difficult. After putting it succesfully around the puppies neck, you will notice that after a few minutes of trying to remove it himself he will suddenly forget that he is wearing a collar. As soon as the puppy accepts the collar, you can then attach the leash. Please do not pull it in the beginning, just let him walk around wearing it for a little bit. Try to do this indoors with your supervision so the puppy wont get tangled around an object and potentially become hurt. Let your canine friend wear it for a few minutes at first then take it off. This step should be repeated often as you begin the training session. Also consider attaching the leash to his collar at his mealtimes to help him associate it with something pleasant. As soon as your puppy is comfortable wearing the leash you can pick up the other end. At first don't walk. Just let him lead you around if he would like to. Do not put your puppy in the position where he wants to pull hard or restrain himself. Begin by luring him towards you, and when he does shower him with lots of praise and if possible a treat. If he doesn't come towards you at first please don't punish or scold him that will only make him afraid of the leash more than he already is. As he begins to walk without tugging and pulling, keep practicing with him in a familiar area free of distractions. After succesfully completing this you can slowly widen the walking area. When your puppy has conquered wearing the collar and leash succesfully, you both are ready to learn how to manipulate stairs. Remember to keep using alot of patience and encouragement as you train your puppy to climb stairs. Try to find a wide, inviting staircase and sit at the base of the steps with him. At first, gradually go up one step at a time. Make sure you encourage him to follow by calmly using your voice and a treat. When he succesfully starts to follow, make a huge fuss telling him what a good puppy he is and offer him the treat. Keep repeating this step until he is no longer scared of the stairs. Leash training your puppy can be challenging but it is absolutely necessary for his safety. Keep in mind that all new puppies are a huge responsibility and this task is only a small portion of the training your furry friend will need as he makes his transition from a rambunctious puppy to a well behaved adult.