Puppies

Leash training a puppy

Start indoors, keep it short and pay well for a loose leash. Good walking habits are much easier to build than to fix.

By Pawfessor Editorial TeamPublished 1 min read

An owner practicing leash walking with a puppy at home

Puppies don’t come knowing how to walk on a leash. Teach it early, in easy places, and you’ll avoid years of being pulled down the street.

Step 1: Get comfortable with the gear

Put the harness or collar on for short moments, with treats, then take it off. Clip the leash on and let it trail indoors (supervised) so it’s no big deal.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I walk my puppy?

Keep early walks short and let your puppy sniff a lot. A common rule of thumb is a few minutes of walking per month of age, once or twice a day, plus free play. Ask your vet about your puppy's breed.

Collar or harness for a puppy?

A well fitted Y-shaped harness is comfortable and keeps pressure off the neck. Your puppy should still wear a collar with an ID tag.

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