Walking the dog is great exercise for the dog and for YOU! Since it is good for us, and fun, too, doesn’t it seem like it would just come “naturally” to the puppy? Well, just like everything else we must teach our puppies, walking on a leash must be taught, too.
Dog Training
When it comes to training your puppy how to walk on a leash, the important things to remember are the same things we must remember when teaching our puppies anything: Inappropriate behavior is never rewarded and the appropriate behavior is rewarded; be consistent and most of all, be patient.
Now, it would be wonderful if we put the collar and leash on our puppy, he sat until the command was given to walk and then he kept in step with us – his shoulders perfectly aligned with his master’s knee. We’d be the picture of perfection walking down the street, birds are singing, cherubs come from the heavens and all is well in doggie land. But, unfortunately, that isn’t the way it works. You will put the collar and leash on and then have to physically drag the puppy behind you – which makes you look like a REAL pet lover to your neighbors! Then, once you are outside, the puppy flops around and pulls and tugs and stops and rolls over. It’s sort of like walking a bowl of Jell-O, only not as attractive.
Walking Your Dog
So, what do you do? Well, most importantly, don’t give up! Don’t pick him up and carry him or let him just walk along beside you without the leash. That’s too dangerous and will produce nothing but uncontrollable behavior later. Also remember that the reward for appropriate behavior IS the walk and plenty of praise. The way to handle inappropriate behavior is to stop right where you are, pull the leash taut and stand in place until the puppy understands he must stay with you and not pull or roll around.
Having said all of that, get your puppy used to wearing a light, fitting collar. (A flat, lightweight collar made out of nylon or leather is best. PLEASE stay away from choke collars!) When the puppy seems to be used to the collar and isn’t wriggling around and trying to get out of it, praise him repeatedly. “Oh…what a handsome boy you are,” or “Look at that handsome collar you have on,” or “Good boy! Good boy!” or even, “Why, Miss Lady….YOU have a collar!” Make a big deal about it.
Next, attach the lead and just leave it. Let the puppy sniff it, drag it around, whatever he needs to do to get used to it. If you notice that he is chewing on it, however, discourage that behavior. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the puppy will adapt and understand this is just an extra part of him! Now, pick up the lead and let the puppy explore. After a little bit of this, it’s time to go for a W-A-L-K. (Soon, you’ll have to spell it out at your house, too. I can’t say it until I’m ready to walk out the door with my big boys! They are sitting at the door and ready to go, once the word is actually spoken!)
When you are actually out on your walk, praise your puppy frequently as long as he is walking with you at a leisurely pace. If he starts to walk faster or get ahead, pulling on the leash, do NOT yank the leash back and yell at him! Just stop where you are, firmly tell him, “No,” and wait for him to come back to you. When he does, then you start walking with him again. You can continue your walk, praising all the way! Sometimes, the puppy will just sit down during your walk, especially when training. If that happens, simply stop where you are and call him. When he comes to you, shower him with praise, and resume your walk. In no time, the two of you will be walking around the world and enjoying every single step!
So come on, what are you waiting for? It’s time to go for a W-A-L-K!!