Many dog owners dread the twice-daily practice of puppy walks.
Usually, they are the ones who created the problem, not the dog. Getting your puppy accustomed to walking properly on a leash will spare you a lot of anxiety and make walking your dog a pleasure.
Americans love their dogs on leashes. All dogs, no matter how obedient, well-mannered, or young or old, must be leashed when they are off their property and/or in public. To make sure we comply, we have oodles of inane leash laws.
Here’s the problem: people don’t know how to walk their dogs properly.
The sooner you start, the easier it is. Don’t wait until your puppy is older, larger, and, like your teenager, ready to test and challenge you at every turn.
We suggest enrolling in a positive reinforcement, punishment-free Puppy Kindergarten in your area as soon as possible.
Not only will you learn how to correctly walk your puppy, but they will also have the added benefit of learning to walk comfortably with other dogs.
Walking in a pack with other puppies helps to desensitize and teach your puppy how to cope with other dogs while on walks.
Being calm and knowing how to deal with other dogs they meet is one way to prevent what is known as “leash aggression.”
The collar
The first thing you have to do is acclimate your puppy to wearing a collar. Some take to it without any fuss, while others act as if the hangman just placed a noose around their neck.
A well-fitted flat collar is fine for around the house. It should be snug but not too tight.
With a puppy, you should be able to fit a finger between the collar and the dog comfortably.
Until your puppy gets accustomed to their new bling, never have them wear it when unsupervised.
Puppies have choked to death, either by getting snagged on something or getting their foot or leg caught between the collar and their throat if it is too loose.
A training collar is preferred for walking. They are also known as modified choke collars or modified martingales. Basically, they are flat collars with a small piece of chain and a ring in the middle.
The collar must sit snugly high on the puppy’s neck, directly behind its ears, to be effective and not damage the puppy’s trachea.
To fit the collar properly, it must be adjusted so the two ends meet when pressure is applied to the chain.
Attach the leash to the ring. You will notice that when you pull up on the leash, the collar tightens just enough to send a message not to pull but not tight enough to choke your puppy.
The leash
Your leash is like a telephone line to your dog. You are constantly sending messages to them.
Make sure your messages are simple, clear, and without any apprehension.
Be aware that your puppy will be watching you for cues. If you are relaxed, your pup will be relaxed.
Never, ever use a retractable leash! If you have one, throw it away. Not only do they make walking your dog properly and under control a joke, but you also look like you’re casting them out, reeling them in, and trolling as if fishing.
First and foremost, they are dangerous! Most “reputable” retractable leashes will have warnings on the package or the device.
Nearly all dog trainers recommend a 6-foot, preferably leather leash. Most dog training classes require a 6-foot leash and do not allow the use of retractable leashes.
A 6-foot leash offers the dog enough of a radius to explore or take care of business, yet it still affords you control.
Teach your new puppy to walk on a loose leash.
Desensitizing
Now, you are ready to desensitize your puppy to their new look.
Before you try taking puppy walks, know your dog’s first instinct normally is to park their butt and balk, allowing them time to adjust to the weight and feel of the collar and leash.
Again, under strict supervision, attach your puppy to the collar and allow them to drag the leash around the house and yard.
At first, they may hesitate. Ignore them. Let them learn to cope with these contraptions they will wear for the rest of their lives.
After you see that they are comfortable with their leash dragging behind them, without any fanfare, pick up the end and follow them.
You have just put a new “feel” on the connection between you and your dog. Do not pull on the leash… follow them and then start to walk around them.
You can gently apply guiding pressure by pulling the leash, little by little, but go easy. Allow your puppy time to adjust to these new physical feelings and the mindset of being connected to you.
When the leash is loose, say your puppy’s name and tell them to “come.”
You want them to associate their place with being next to you when they are leashed. Without going overboard, praise them when they come to you.
The first real walk
You and your puppy are ready to take your first real walk together.
Train your puppy to sit before you put the leash on them.
Many dog owners dread walking their dogs because of the pandemonium at the door as soon as their dog sees the leash.
Train your puppy as soon as possible; you will not put the leash on them if they do not sit.
They will learn to associate the faster they sit, the faster the leash is attached and the faster the walk begins.
This is also the time to teach them humans exit first. Make your puppy wait until you have cleared the threshold, and then give them the OK to join you.
By tradition, dogs walk on the handler’s left side. This tradition goes back centuries, when hunters routinely held their rifles in their right hand and led their dogs with their left.
Call your puppy to your left side. Relax the leash. Say their name, and tell them to “heel” as you step off on your left foot.
Once they get the hang of walking, their shoulder and your knee should be aligned, and ideally, there will be a relaxed U on the leash between you and your dog.
Short walks and treats
The first few times you initiate the real walks, you may need to carry a few rewards or bribery items. We suggest carrying a squeaky toy or even hanging a plastic bag of treats from your pocket or belt where your puppy can see them.
They can be great “motivators” in keeping your pup moving forward yet staying at your side.
Keep the walks short for the first few weeks. You always want to set your puppy up to succeed. The object of the exercise is for them to complete the walk and enjoy it.
Carrying a happy 15-pound puppy home is one thing because you went too far, and they are exhausted. But, you’ll look rather silly carrying a 75-pound dog home because they hate to walk and refuse to walk any farther.
When you return home, make your puppy sit and wait until you enter the house first. Then say their name and tell them to “come.”
Make them sit immediately until you take their leash off and release them.
When all that happens, you and your puppy have just walked perfectly.
It’s also nice to surprise your puppy and walk with a friend and their dog occasionally. It helps to reinforce the appropriate coping skills of meeting and walking with other dogs.
Dog walk benefits
Walking your dog isn’t just about giving them exercise — it also benefits you as the owner.
Not only does it help to keep your dog healthy and happy, but it also provides you with a great opportunity for exercise, fresh air, and relaxation.
Regular walks can help your dog maintain a healthy weight, improve muscle tone, and release excess energy.
It’s also a chance for them to explore their surroundings and socialize with other dogs.
As for you, walking your dog can serve as a stress reliever, improve your cardiovascular health, and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Overcome challenges on puppy walks
Pulling on the leash
If your dog is prone to lunging or pulling on the leash, consider using a front-clip harness or a head halter. These tools can help discourage pulling and make the walk more enjoyable for you and your pup.
Reactivity to other dogs
If your dog becomes reactive or aggressive towards other dogs during walks, it’s important to work on desensitization and counterconditioning. This involves gradually exposing your dog to other dogs at a distance and rewarding calm behavior.
Distractions
Dogs can easily become distracted during walks, especially by enticing smells or wildlife. Teaching a strong “leave it” cue can help redirect your dog’s attention and keep the walk on track.
Fearfulness
If your dog is fearful or anxious during walks, work on building their confidence through positive reinforcement and gradual exposure to new environments.
Over-excitement
Some dogs become overly excited and may jump or bark excessively during walks. Training impulse control exercises and providing mental stimulation can help channel that excess energy positively.
Remember, patience and consistency are key to addressing these challenges. If you need additional support, seek help from a professional trainer.
Bottom line on puppy walks
Puppy walks should be short and fun. This puppy training session is precious.
Talk to your puppy. Let them know when they are doing something correctly. That way, they can make the association if they are pleasing you when loose-leash walking.
If they accidentally mess up, you must make an immediate correction and then show them what you expect so they understand.
Be patient. Take the time and make the effort now; you will never dread walking your dog. These puppy walks will form the foundation for the bond of a lifetime.
Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.
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