Mastering Leash Walking: A Guide to Teaching Your Puppy to Follow

Leash walking is a fundamental skill that every dog owner looks forward to mastering with their new puppy. However, the excitement of taking your puppy for walks around the block can often lead to premature and frustrating experiences if they haven't yet learned the basics of leash behavior. Before embarking on outdoor adventures, it's crucial to focus on foundational training to ensure your puppy can handle being on a leash confidently and calmly. This article will guide you through the steps to teach your puppy how to follow you attentively, setting the stage for successful leash walking.

Understanding the Basics of Leash Training

The Importance of Initial Focus Training

Teaching your puppy to walk on a leash is not just about managing the leash but about guiding their attention. Before introducing a leash, puppies must learn to focus on their owner and understand that following them is rewarding. This early focus training forms the basis of all future walks, ensuring that your puppy looks to you for direction and cues, rather than getting distracted by the environment.

Why Delay Outdoor Walks?

While it might seem natural to start walking your puppy outside immediately, early walks can be overwhelming for them, filled with distractions that can set back training. Instead, emphasize play and simple exercises at home to build their stamina and attention span in a controlled setting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Puppy to Follow

1. Introducing the Concept of Following

Start indoors in a familiar, distraction-free area. Without using a leash, encourage your puppy to follow you by using a cheerful voice and rewarding them with treats or a favorite toy whenever they come to you or walk alongside you. This helps your puppy learn that staying close to you is beneficial and enjoyable.

2. Teaching Focus and Direction

Once your puppy reliably follows you indoors, begin to incorporate more structured 'follow' training. Use commands such as "come" or "here" and use treats to guide them to walk beside you. Gradually increase the complexity by changing your pace and direction, encouraging your puppy to keep their eyes on you.  It is important to note that you do not want to mark the incorrect behavior, if your puppy is in front of you, do not reward.  Only reward when the puppy is at your side or slightly behind you.

3. Transitioning to Leash Training Indoors

Introduce the leash in an indoor setting where your puppy feels comfortable. Let them wear the leash while following you around the house. Continue using treats and praise to reinforce their good behavior of walking calmly by your side without pulling.

4. Moving Training Outdoors

Choose a quiet, distraction-free outdoor area to begin practicing outside. Continue to focus on short sessions where your puppy follows you, rewarding them frequently to reinforce their focus on you rather than the surroundings. Avoid starting on a path or sidewalk where they might be tempted to wander or follow scents.

Tips for Successful Leash Training

• Be Patient: Puppy training is a process that requires patience and consistency. Don't rush the steps; ensure your puppy is confident at each stage before moving on.

• Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Puppies have short attention spans. Keep training sessions brief and enjoyable, using lots of praise and rewards.

• Gradually Increase Distractions: As your puppy becomes more reliable in following you and walking on a leash, gradually introduce new distractions to help them learn to maintain focus in different environments.

Conclusion

Leash training is more than just teaching your puppy to walk without pulling; it's about developing a system of communication and trust. By teaching your puppy to follow you first, you set a strong foundation for future walks and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for both of you as you eventually explore the world together.