Leash Training Your Puppy: From Wiggly Worm to World Wanderer
Congratulations on welcoming a furry whirlwind into your life! Puppies are bundles of joy, but let's face it, those adorable little teeth and boundless energy can make walks feel more like wrestling matches. Fear not, fellow pup parents, for today we're diving into the wondrous world of leash training your puppy!
First Steps: Building Positive Associations
Before strapping on your fanciest walking shoes, let's make the leash and collar superstars in your puppy's eyes. Introduce them in the living room during playtime. Offer yummy treats while your puppy explores the new gear. Remember, patience is key! Short, positive experiences will have them wagging their tails at the mere sight of the leash.
Heel Yeah! Teaching Basic Commands
Now, let's get technical. Basic commands like "Heel" and "Come" are your leash-training lifesavers. In a quiet space, hold the leash loosely and say "Heel" while taking a step forward. If your puppy follows (even a smidge!), shower them with praise and treats. Repeat, gradually increasing the distance. For "Come," practice luring them back with a treat, marking their arrival with an excited "Yes!" and a mini treat party.
Walk This Way: Mastering the Great Outdoors
Time to hit the pavement! Start in a calm, familiar area with minimal distractions. Keep the leash loose and let your puppy sniff around, rewarding them for staying near you. If they pull, gently stop and wait for them to come back before continuing. Remember, consistency is king! Short, frequent walks are better than marathon treks.
Wiggly Worm: Breaking up the Straight Line
Get the idea of a 30 minute long walk out of your mind. When teaching leash skills, our definition of exercise must be tossed out the window. In order to teach loose-leash walking, we must TEACH them, not follow them around to accomplish a marathon.
So, instead, be prepared to not go very far at all in the beginning. Have your pup at your side with about 1-2 feet of loose leash between your handle on it and where it attaches to their collar. Walk forward a few steps, the moment they begin pulling, turn around in a right or left about U-turn, giving gentle tugs on the leash to get their attention. As soon as they turn to go with you, tell them good and reward them with a small piece of food.
Repeat this process many times. Also, randomly increase your speed a bit, and decrease your speed a bit, so you can practice having them respond to that gentle tactile communication.
Any time they walk a few steps at your side with a loose leash, and/or anytime they check in with you, tell them good and reward them with a small piece of food.
After a few minutes of this training, go to a spot with the potential for many sniffs (bushes, trees, grass-you know, pretty much everything), visibly look at them, and dramatically step towards & gesture at the area you want them to investigate, and say your decided cue such as “go sniff”! Then of course, allow them a moment to sniff!
Beware all Ye Who Trod Here:
Become as observant as possible! Be aware of each time your puppy pulls on the leash, to not follow them. Instead, turn the opposite direction, reward some loose leash steps-before going back in the direction they were interested in.
The more you follow them when they pull, the more you are actually teaching them TO pull. And trust me; it will get worse as they get bigger and stronger!
Pro Tips for Pawesome Walks:
Collar over harness: Collars will provide clearer information to your pup(when taught this way), and help your pup not to pull so much. Harnesses distribute pressure evenly, making walks more comfortable for your pup, which inevitably cause a substantial amount more pulling.
Treats are your best friend: Reward good behavior like loose leash walking and attentive check-ins.
Keep it positive: Avoid corrections or yelling, as they can create negative associations with walking. Keep it simple: short pulses of tactile information to get their attention.
Enroll in puppy classes: Professional guidance can work wonders, plus it's a great way to socialize your furry friend.
Remember, leash training is a journey, not a destination. There will be days when your puppy channels their inner Houdini, but stay patient, consistent, and positive. Soon, you and your four-legged explorer will be conquering sidewalks and stealing hearts with every graceful stride. Happy walking!
Bonus Woof Woof: Don't forget to check out my online resources and consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on leash training your specific pup. Now go forth and leash the world, one treat at a time!
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