Leash training a puppy takes time and a lot of patience.
While some dogs accept the collar right away, others just hate it. You just want the puppy to stop pulling so you can have a normal walk.
Going outside always counts, so there is no letting up when you cross that doorstep.
Here is how to stop the pulling and finally enjoy your walks.
The Right Time for the First Walk
Most owners start leash training when the puppy is around three or four months old.
Once vaccination are complete, you can move from your yard to the sidewalk.
However, you must look at the breed, age and the temperament of your pup before rushing in.
Taking it slow now ensures a much more relaxed walk for the dog as he gets older.
Choosing the Right Gear for Your Pup
Picking the right gear for puppies depends on their size and how much they pull on the leash.
Small breeds often do better with a harness to protect their necks, while larger dogs just need a collar.
You should avoid retractable leads during training because they teach the puppies that pulling works.
A standard nylon or leather lead is much better for keeping control and letting them know what you want.
Always check that you can fit two fingers between the collar and the puppy’s neck.
Flat collars are best for daily wear, but make sure the metal buckles aren’t too heavy for a young dog.
Martingale collars can help if the dog tends to slip out of a regular one, but never leave these on when he is alone.
Getting the basic gear right makes those first walks much easier for both of you.
Getting Your Pup Used to the Collar
Getting the puppy used to a collar works best with rewards.
Put the collar on right before mealtime rather than during playtime.
When puppies eat, they only care about the food, so they quickly learn that the collar means good things.
Make sure the collar is snug so a paw doesn’t get caught underneath. If he starts scratching at it, distract him with a treat or a toy. [1]
The First Time on the Lead
Once the puppy is used to the collar, attach the leash.
Don’t let puppies just drag the leash and chew on it; hold the handle and move with them. This stops the leash from wrapping around their legs.
Use small treats to reward the dog every time the leash is loose. If he freezes or pulls away, don’t jerk the leash. Just use the treat to bring him toward you.
He needs to learn that a loose leash means rewards.
When Your Pup Won’t Move
There will be moments when the puppy just sits and won’t move.
Don’t pull the leash! Just drop it on the ground and take a few steps away.
Letting the leash go takes the pressure off, so puppies can calm down.
Call them, and they will usually run right over to you.
Don’t bribe them with treats when they won’t move; just wait for that first step.
Once the puppy chooses to follow, reward him right away.
Make sure you don’t reward bad habits or actions with a smile, treats, or cuddles, as the puppy will think that is exactly what you want.
How Long Does It Take?
Leash training takes time, and there is no set timeline.
While the puppy might get the hang of it in a few weeks, building a real habit depends on their character (breed, age size) and how strict you are.
Keep a close eye on the puppy’s weight. Heavy puppies put too much pressure on joints that are still growing.
Short walks of 5 to 10 minutes a day are enough without tiring out the pup.
Conclusion
Leash training isn’t just about walking. It is about teaching him to listen to you.
Just stay patient and stick to your rules every day.
Every dog is different, so you must look at the breed, age, and character. Keep the training short and always make it fun with some playtime at the end.
If you have questions or want to share your own experience, feel free to leave a comment below.
Sources:
- Naviknite štene na povodac (more information);
Leash Training for Sarplaninac Puppies
At our kennel, we start training at three months, or even earlier.
Put the leash on during playtime or right before meals, so the puppy knows something good is coming..
Every Sarplaninac is different, and we often face challenges like leash biting, stubbornness, or a lack of confidence.
We solve these problems by using our specific methods of work (finding the right approach for each dog).
Quick tip: never start training on a puppy’s full stomach, and avoid using the dog harness with this breed. The harness is not the best option for the Sarplaninac.
Watch the video below to see a nine-week-old Sarplaninac puppy in training and check out how we do it.