Leash Training a Puppy: How to Leash Train a Puppy

Leash training is a way to get your puppy or adult dog used to wearing a leash while out on walks with you or another dog walker. A well-trained dog should walk patiently without tugging, barking, lagging behind, or trying to run ahead.

Daily walks let your dog explore, meet new friends, and have fun with you, and leash training helps you keep your dog safe.

1. 1. Socialization: Leash training your puppy is as important as teaching them to sit, come, and stay. It enables you to take your dog out in public knowing you can keep them under control around other dogs.
2. 2. Safety: When your dog is properly leash-trained, you can avoid accidents, such as when your dog is tempted to run into a busy street. Dogs can injure themselves by straining on the leash, so proper leash training can also help prevent harm to you and your dog.
3. 3. Compliance: In addition, most communities have leash laws that require dogs to be leashed when out in public. By leash training your puppy, you remain in compliance with these laws. You also make it easier to take your dog to the vet or groomer.

Ten weeks old is a great age to start leash training a puppy, though you can start the process as early as four to six weeks of age. By this time, your puppy should be aware of when they need to go out to urinate or defecate. They should also understand when you're happy with their good behavior. By this time, your puppy should be able to refrain from nipping people and other pets within your household. All these signs show that your puppy is ready to start learning leash skills.

The earlier you're able to get your puppy on a leash, the more readily you can take them outside for exercise and housebreaking. While you don't want to take your puppy to dog parks or let them socialize with other dogs until they have had their rabies shots and final booster (usually finished at sixteen weeks), you can prepare your dog for these big steps with earlier leash training at home.

Leash training a dog takes time and requires a commitment on your part. Take it slow and follow these steps.

1. 1. Introduce the leash. The first step in leash training your new puppy is introducing the puppy to the leash and collar. Introduce the dog's collar during playtime so they associate the collar and dog leash with fun, and offer treats whenever they wear the leash to provide positive reinforcement. Make sure the collar or head halter isn't too heavy or annoying, and keep the dog on a loose leash at first so they can get used to it.
2. 2. Practice basic obedience. When you practice leash training while also practicing basic obedience dog training, you reinforce what you expect of your dog. Start with verbal cues such as "sit," "stay," "come," "let's go," and "down." Don't forget to reward your puppy with dog treats for getting it right, and keep your training sessions short so you don't tire out their short attention span.
3. 3. Begin leash training inside. Once your puppy is comfortable with their leash and collar, start walking inside your home. Dog trainers typically suggest that you walk with the dog on your left side. Gentle tugs on the leash will help your dog understand what you want them to do while you practice loose leash walking inside. In this stage, focus on getting your dog used to wearing a collar and leash, and stop walking when they seem to lose interest or get tired.
4. 4. Take your puppy outside. The final step in leash training a puppy is to take them outside. This is often the most challenging step because of how excited your dog is likely to be over all the new smells, sights, and sounds they encounter.
5. 5. Keep a firm grip. Hold the end of the leash securely, and pay attention to your dog at all times during these early adventures.
6. 6. Reward desired behavior. Remember to praise and reward them with lots of tasty treats when they respond properly to your commands.
7. 7. Choose a calm location. The first time you go outdoors to practice walking, choose an area with as few distractions as possible.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.