Training Tips for Walking Your Puppy on the Lead

Puppies are full of enthusiasm for life and generally have a very sunny outlook on the world around them. When they are young, they are most receptive to training and picking up new skills. Training your puppy to walk on the lead is one of the most important aspects of your little dog’s education, and the habits they form will stay with them throughout their whole life. However, it can be challenging to know exactly how to go about lead training your puppy, especially when they don’t understand what is expected or mistake the lead for a toy. Here are our top tips for walking your puppy on a lead to help you both enjoy the experience.

1. Getting the Right Equipment

Before you begin training, it is essential to have the right tools. Choose a comfortable, well-fitting collar that your puppy can get used to wearing before introducing the lead. For lead training, have a couple of leads handy: a flat lead of suitable length for heel work and a retrievable lead for supervised outdoor use. If your puppy is strong or tends to lunge, consider using a head collar for extra control, but avoid starting with harsher collars such as choke chains unless absolutely necessary. The right equipment ensures your puppy is safe and comfortable, which supports positive training outcomes.

2. When and How to Begin

1. Start early: Have your puppy accustomed to wearing their collar by around 12 weeks old.
2. Introduce the lead indoors: Attach the lead loosely during mealtimes so your puppy forms positive associations with it.
3. Familiarisation: After a few days, gently hold the lead and follow your puppy around, allowing them to get used to the sensation without pressure or control.
4. Teaching "heel": Practice walking beside your puppy with a medium-length lead, using the “heel” command and rewarding good behaviour abundantly with treats.
5. Correct pulling: If your puppy pulls ahead, turn around and walk the opposite direction, encouraging them to follow you closely. Repeat this with praise each time they respond correctly.
6. Take it outside: When your puppy reliably walks on the lead indoors or in your garden, slowly introduce outdoor walks to new environments.

3. Top Tips for Effective Lead Training

• Patience is vital: Every puppy learns at their own pace. Avoid frustration and keep training sessions gentle and positive.
• Minimise distractions: Begin training sessions in quiet settings to help your puppy focus on you.
• Start calm: Avoid training when your puppy is overly excitable. Tiring them with play and then allowing calmness before sessions helps learning.
• Intelligent breeds: Breeds like Border Collie puppies can be quick learners but may also pick up unwanted habits if training isn’t consistent. Be especially mindful with smart dogs.
• Address issues early: Pulling and lunging should be discouraged as soon as they occur to avoid entrenched bad habits in adult dogs.

4. Why Responsible Lead Training Matters

Teaching your puppy to walk politely on the lead ensures safety for both of you and makes walks more enjoyable. Proper lead training fosters a respectful relationship, reduces your puppy’s stress in new environments, and helps establish your role as a confident, caring leader. Remember, consistent, kind training lays the foundation for a happy, well-balanced dog throughout their life.