If you’ve just got a puppy, one way to get started with it is learning how to train a puppy to walk on a leash.
It’s a great way to make your puppy understand that it has to play by your rules.
A dog that complies and follows command will save you and itself a lot of trouble. The earlier you take charge, the better.
The leash is a helpful tool to make your walking with a dog more convenient. Using a leash is beneficial for you and your dog.
A leash will only be useful if it’s suitable for
your dog
, so having the wrong leash can harm your dog and make handling it a bad experience for you too.
What to Consider When Choosing a Leash?
To choose the right leashes, you should consider the size and strength, age, and energy.
1. The material of Leash:
Nylon or leather leash is excellent for your dog, especially a puppy.
Nylon leashes are the most common because, unlike the leather, you needn’t wait for it to soften. Leathers do an equally great job when soft.
A cotton leash can be useful too, especially around water, if you swim a lot.
2. Dog’s Freedom:
If your dog is well-behaved, or it’s a low energy breed, you can get a retractable leash to allow freedom in its movement.
But if you’re unsure of your dog’s behavior, or it’s big and can easily pull the leash from you, get other leashes.
Introducing a Leash
Using a leash on your dog for the first time requires caution, especially when it’s not a puppy.
You want to make your dog associate a pleasant feeling of using a collar. You also want to ensure that your dog feels secure.
Place the leash on its neck when it’s indoor and having a lovely time, playing, or eating.
Outdoor Training Tips
Tip 1
When you’re able to achieve an attachment of pleasant feeling to using a leash, taking it outside requires caution.
Your dog will experience different sensations at once, be patient while it learns to stay calm and under control.
Take a lot of treats along. You’ll need the treats to get its attention and distract it from harassing strangers, being unruly, or struggling with you.
Tip 2
If your dog pulls in an undesirable direction, don’t chase after it.
Remain calm, stand in your position, and don’t move.
The dog will soon realize it has to remain where you want it to be.
Struggling with the dog can lead to harm for you and the dog.
Tip 3
Excessive barking is often the outcome of a lack of activities that can help your dog become mentally and physically stimulated.
Help your dog curb the excessive barking by dedicating time for its play.
Training your dog to use a leash is advised to be in its puppy stage.
A grown dog may pose unexpected challenges when you want to use a leash for the first time.
Before you go outside, ensure you have a level of control over your dog to save you embarrassment and trouble with other dogs and people.
