As a dog owner, you’re responsible for your pet whenever you’re in public. A dog that hasn’t been trained properly can be a danger to others and themselves! If you start training your dog from a young age, they’re more likely to be much better behaved when they’re older. There’s no greater pleasure than owning a well-behaved and well-socialised adult dog. 

When Should I Start Training a Puppy on the Lead?

Basic obedience training is important for the well-being of your puppy. It’s all about teaching your puppy to respect you as the leader of their pack. If your pup learns all the basics like sit, stay, lay down, and come back when called, it will be a huge advantage for your puppy when it comes to start leash training and learning walk properly on their lead. It’s never too early to start! 

Basically, the sooner you introduce your puppy to some training the easier it will be. Consistency is always the key. 

Initially each training sessions should be very short because paying attention is not a puppies strength. As you're well aware, they can’t concentrate for very long! Training also needs to be fun and should always be about positive rewards.

How to Train Your Puppy for Their First Walks?

Reward your dog with treats and praise for any behaviour you want them to do, and your dog will remember this over time. Remember, be consistent! A puppy needs to know what behaviour is allowed and what isn’t!

Using a dog trainer or attending training classes are a handy way of picking up ideas and tips. Not only do these help you to teach your dog, but they're also a great way of socialising your puppy with other dogs.

Here are some useful tips on how to train a puppy to walk on a leash from vet experts Vetstream:

• Make sure you have a suitable harness or collar and lead - this depends on the breed of your puppy. If you’re not sure which one is right for your pup, ask your vet who will be happy to advise you.
• Let your puppy wear their harness or collar around the house before you start training. Get them used to the leash before you begin to train your dog on the lead. Attach the leash to their collar as this allows them to get used to it without the added pressure of learning new things.
• Walking on a lead for the first time can be a confusing and scary experience for a puppy - take things slowly and don’t be tempted to rush it.
• Start training your dog to walk on a leash with short sessions in a quiet area - puppies are easily distracted and can’t concentrate for very long!
• Always use rewards and positive reinforcement when training - reward positive behaviour and ignore unwanted behaviour like if your puppy is pulling. Remember, if your dog pulls, never punish them and always keep calm and relaxed.
• When you start walking your pup, if they start to pull on the lead, stop walking - stand still and don’t start walking again until your pup has come back to you, then start walking again. Continue this until they learn to stop pulling. 
• Move onto long leash puppy training next. When they walk nicely next to you on their loose leash, give them a treat or praise. Keep walking forwards when you reward your pup to prevent stopping and starting.
• As your puppy gets the hang of things, reduce the treat rewards and gradually cut them out altogether - your vocal praise should be enough to keep your buddy motivated.
• Consistency is key.

Puppy socialisation is also really important in preparation for their first walk, when they’re likely to bump into other dogs. They need to know how to behave around other dogs to help avoid any potential problems. So, it's best to make sure your puppy’s early encounters with other dogs take place in a controlled environment. Take your pup to socialisation classes where they can meet other dogs.

Your puppy needs to learn the ‘dos and don’ts’ when out walking. If your pup runs up to an unfamiliar dog on your walk, the other dog may snap at them, and this can quickly turn a friendly outgoing puppy into a frightened one.

It’s also a good idea to stop other people from giving your puppy too much attention if you’re approached out on a walk - you don’t want your pup to learn that they can run up to everyone when you’re out and about!

When Can I Take My Puppy For a Walk?

You shouldn’t take your puppy out and about until they’re fully vaccinated. Puppies usually have their second vaccination at around 3 to 4 months. If puppies are vaccinated, they can mix with other dogs.

Early socialisation is really beneficial for a puppy’s development. But, unless your pup has received all its injections (and for a few days after), it shouldn’t mix with other dogs unless you’re sure they’re fully vaccinated and are free from disease.

Remember that puppies aren’t very strong, and they’ve still got lots of growing to do. Your buddy's first walks should be short and sweet to protect their bones and joints. You can gradually build up to longer walks as they get older and stronger.

Be Prepared… Don’t Forget Those Poo Bags!

The name of the game when training your dog on a lead, is consistency and patience. Some puppies will take to it like a duck to water, while others might take their time to get the hang of things. The important thing is to stay calm, take your time, and reward your pup for good behaviour.

In time your pup will become more confident when walking on the lead and staying by your side, preparing them for exploring the great outdoors when let free!

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis – www.vetlexicon.com/treat/canis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.