How to Train a Puppy to Walk on a Leash: A Problem Many Pet Lovers Have
Teaching a puppy to walk on a leash is not a quick process, but it is entirely doable.
As a rule, training begins at the age of 3-4 months, when the puppy already has the basic skill of walking on a leash, but he is still very playful and curious, so he often gets distracted.
First, you need to choose a collar and leash that are the right size. The collar should be made of soft material so as not to injure the puppy's neck, and the leash should be made of leather or other durable material, 1-1.5 meters long.
Before going for a walk, you should put a collar on the puppy and walk him around the house and yard so that he gets used to the sensations.
Then you can start going outside. You need to walk next to the puppy, holding the leash in your hand, and reward him with a treat if he walks calmly.
If the puppy starts to pull the leash or gets distracted, you need to stop and wait until it returns to its original position next to the owner. Then you can continue the walk. This way, the puppy gradually learns to walk on a short leash without pulling on it.
It is very important to reward the puppy when he walks next to you - pet him, give him a treat, say "Good boy!" Then he will understand that such behavior is desirable.
During the walk, you can make short stops so that the puppy can look around and sniff something. But you shouldn't linger for too long, and after the stop, it's important to make the puppy walk next to the owner again.
It is better to end the walk on a positive note, praising the puppy. And when you return home, reward him with a treat. This way he will understand that he behaved well.
When the puppy grows up a little and has mastered the basic skills of walking on a leash, you can start training it in more difficult conditions. For example, go out where there are many distractions - other dogs, cats, cars.
In such a situation, it is important to be patient and constantly attract the puppy's attention to yourself. You can give simple commands like "Come!", "Heel!", and reward him for correct behavior.
It is also useful to train the puppy to calmly walk on a leash in public places - parks, squares. Over time, he will get used to behaving adequately in any environment.
The main thing is to regularly reinforce the skill, praise the puppy for obedience, do not scold for mistakes, but calmly return to the desired position. And then he will grow up to be a well-mannered dog that will happily walk with the owner on a leash.
Earlier we talked about how to train a dog not to jump on people.
