Leash Training

First Things First
First we need to get your puppy used to a collar. Make sure it fits properly the first time and every time they wear it. Don’t buy a collar too big so they can grow into and don’t let them wear one that’s too small, one they have grown out of.

They will most likely scratch at their new collar, but don’t remove it while they are making a fuss over it. Remove it when they are distracted and seeming not to care that they’re wearing it. Removing it when they are trying to get it off reinforces the negative behavior; teaching them that if they scratch at the collar, it will come off. Remember to remove the collar when the dog goes in his crate.

Introducing the Leash
The next step is the leash. Make sure it is made of a light, durable material. It should not be too heavy so a puppy will resent it. You might just let him drag it around for a while. Unsnap it from the collar if he begins to chew on it; it’s not a toy and chewing a leash should be discouraged.

It’s always a good idea to initiate leash training with some sort of treat, to “lure” the dog in the direction you want them to go. Most treats are ideal for this training. Simply hold the treat low enough to entice the puppy and walk backwards, encouraging the puppy to follow. This isn’t the way you’re going to go through life; it’s just a good way to get the puppy used to the weight of the leash. The treats will help get things moving in the right direction.

Use a bit of food from the puppy's next meal to condition the puppy to look at you and move with you. Keep moving away from the puppy, telling it what a good dog it is, enticing them to follow you. Young puppies naturally do this anyway, so the training is easy and fun. Swap for a toy the puppy likes. Always make it fun. This is the most important part of the process.

Getting Down to Business
Now it’s time to pick up the other end of the leash. By now your puppy should be looking to you when he’s on leash, so simply pick up the other end and continue to encourage them to walk to you. From the first minute you pick up the leash, keep it loose. Follow the dog at times, and at other times use the skills you have been developing to induce your dog to follow you. Resist the impulse to pull the dog around on leash, or even to guide the dog with the leash. Keep your attention on your mental communication with the dog, rather than trying to communicate through the leash.

If your puppy makes an attempt to pull you, your job is to stand still. The message to the puppy is simply that pulling on the leash is fruitless. It doesn't work. When things don't work, people and dogs eventually quit doing those things! Never, ever, pull the puppy on a leash. He’ll quickly grow to resent it and all your work will have been for nothing. If at any stage of training you find yourself getting frustrated, pack it in and forget about it for a while. A frustrated owner is never a good teacher.

Keep it Going!
If this training seems like a lot of effort, the truth is that raising a puppy IS a lot of effort. It’s always harder to do things the RIGHT way, but doing it the right way brings with it all the love and joy dog ownership has to give.