Some helpful hints and tips to make on leash walking a happy and stress free time for you and your new puppy!
Why walking on a leash is important
Walking on a leash is one of the most important things you can do for your pup. It allows you to have control over where they go and what they smell, and also helps to socialise and desensitise them to the world around them. Walking on a leash also provides important exercise for your pup, and can help to tire them out before bedtime. There are a few things to keep in mind when walking your pup on a leash. First, always use a collar and leash that are comfortable for them to wear. A harness is also a good option for small dogs. Second, start out slow and gradually increase the length and speed of your walks. And finally, be sure to bring plenty of treats and praise them whenever they do a good job.
How to get your pup used to a leash
The best way to get your pup used to a leash is to start by walking them around your house with it. Let them get used to the feel of the leash on their neck and the weight of it dragging behind them. Once they seem comfortable with this, take them outside on a short walk around the block. Don't try to force your pup to walk if they seem reluctant. Instead, praise them and give them treats when they do walk on their own. In time, they'll learn that walking on a leash can be enjoyable. If your pup does start to pull on the leash, don't worry. This is normal behavior and can be corrected with patience and training. The important thing is to not yank on the leash or pull your pup along. Instead, stop walking and stand still until your pup relaxes. Once they've calmed down, you can start walking again. With time, patience, and training, your pup will learn to enjoy walks on a leash. They'll be able to explore the world and get some much-needed exercise while spending quality time with you.
What to do if your pup pulls on the leash
If your pup is pulling on the leash, there are a few things you can do to correct the behavior. One option is to stop walking and wait for your pup to calm down. Once your pup is calm, you can start walking again. If your pup continues to pull, you can try changing directions. another option is to give your pup a treat when he or she walks by your side without pulling. Finally, make sure you are not accidentally rewarding your pup for pulling by moving in the direction he or she is pulling. If you do this, your pup will think that you are rewarding the behavior and will continue to do it.
How to stop your pup from chewing on the leash
If your pup is chewing on the leash, there are a few things you can do to stop this behavior. The first is to create a positive association with the leash by using treats or toys. Every time you put the leash on your pup, give them a few treats or let them play with a toy for a minute or two. This will help them to associate the leash with something positive. Another thing you can do is to make sure that the leash is not easily accessible. If your pup is always able to chew on the leash, they will continue to do so. Put the leash away in a drawer or closet when it's not in use. This will make it more difficult for your pup to get to and will help to discourage them from chewing on it. If your pup is still chewing on the leash, you may need to provide them with a chew toy that is specifically designed for dogs. These toys are made of materials that are safe for dogs to chew on and can help to keep them occupied. Give your pup the chew toy when you put the leash on them and let them chew on it while you walk.
What to do if your pup gets tangled in the leash
If your pup gets tangled in the leash, the best thing to do is to remain calm. Try to untangle the leash as best as you can without putting any strain on your pup. If you can't untangle the leash, you may have to cut it. Be sure to have a good grip on your pup before cutting the leash, and cut the leash as close to the knot as possible.
Remember, you can always ask for help. Look up local puppy classes to help your new puppy gain in confidence and learn some basic training techniques. The more time and love you invest, the better your relationship with your puppy will become!
After months of patience and practice, your pup has finally mastered walking on a leash. You can now take your furry friend on all sorts of adventures, safe in the knowledge that they won't be running off into the distance! Walking on a leash is an important skill for all dogs to learn, and with a little patience and practice, your pup will be a pro in no time.