Why You Should Start Lead Walking Training With your Puppy From Day 1

This blog may include affiliate links which pay a commission on eligible purchases.

Sure, leash training might seem like just teaching your pup not to pull on the lead. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Its about having a puppy that can listen to you while out in the big wide world. So they are able to stay calm and follow instructions to avoid over excitement and over arousal.

Here's the reality: no one enjoys walks that feel like a tug-of-war with a their puppy. Leash training goes way beyond avoiding tangled leashes and sore arms. It's about setting your pup up for success in the exciting, sometimes overwhelming world around them. It's about teaching them to stay calm and focused, even when faced with distractions like those tempting squirrels or playful pups they just have to meet.

Lets delve deeper than just "heel" commands and endless treats. How do we set our puppy up to have good walks their lead.

Setting Your Puppy Up for Success

The first steps towards successful lead training involve understanding your puppy's learning style and having the right tools to teach them effectively. Puppies are usually allowed to explore freely during their first few walks on a lead to familiarize them with their surroundings.

However, as they get more excited by the new sights and smells, they may begin to pull on the lead. At this stage, the instinctual reaction might be to intensify lead walking training or try various techniques to prevent the puppy from pulling. But the real secret to effective lead training lies in teaching your puppy to walk nicely on a lead, ideally before their first walk.

Focusing on Walking Nicely, Not Just Preventing Pulling

While it may be tempting to focus on stopping your puppy from pulling on the lead, it is essential to teach them to walk nicely instead. This is particularly true if your puppy has already developed a habit of pulling.

Remember, the goal is not just to prevent undesirable behaviors but to encourage good ones. By focusing on teaching your puppy to walk nicely, you are setting them up for a lifetime of successful walks.

The Benefits of Early Lead Training

Starting lead training early has numerous benefits. For one, it sets a foundation for good behavior on lead before you head out on walks. It also prevents the development of bad habits such as pulling or lunging.

Moreover, early lead training can make walks more enjoyable for both you and your puppy, preventing walks from feeling like a tug-of-war. The sooner your puppy learns to walk nicely on a lead, the sooner you can both enjoy the benefits of a calm, focused walk.

Lead training is an essential part of raising a well-behaved puppy. By focusing on teaching your puppy to walk nicely on a lead - and starting this training early - you can set your puppy up for success and enjoy many fulfilling walks together. Remember, the key is not just to stop your puppy from pulling, but to teach them the correct behaviour from the get-go. So grab that lead, and start teaching your puppy who to behave well by walking nicely and engaging with you.