Starting your puppy early to walk on a leash nicely without pulling is perfect timing to teach this important life skill. Let's talk about why you should start leash training and how to do it.

Many dog owners can be tempted to wait to start their puppy on leash training later when their dog has grown a bit more and walking on leash and pulling becomes more of an issue.

Why you'll want to leash train your puppy now...

Even if your puppy stays close to you now and you don't think you need it!

Puppies in the first year or so tend to stay near their people but as your dog gets older, bad habits tend to emerge, slowly at first but they can quickly get out of control. Leash training can be way tricker than a lot of people realize, and you want to give your dog and yourself every advantage as you master loose leash walking (aka walking with no pulling). Starting early gives you and your puppy a jumpstart on learning leash walking more easily.

Your puppy is growing - with legs getting longer and stronger rapidly and your pup's natural pace increasing. Your puppy will soon be walking faster than you without having any idea he/she is outpacing you.

Remember to be tolerant, as well as vigilant, during your pup's first few months of loose leash training. Your patience now will pay off exponentially with a lifetime of more relaxed, happier walks together.

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Why do dogs pull on their leash anyway?

Contrary to popular belief, dogs who pull on the leash while being walked do not want to be pack leader, top dog, alpha dog, or dominant over their human. There is a much simpler explanation for a dog pulling on the leash: dogs love to be outside, and the walk is a stimulating and exciting part of their day, so the desire to push ahead is very strong.

The leash is for much more than walking. It's the absolute best way to control where your dog can and can't go during the first year of training.

A leash, though vital for safety, can also be frustrating for a dog, because being "tied' to a person essentially stops a dog’s ability to act naturally. That being said, all dogs should be taught how to walk on the leash in a positive way without being jerked, yanked, choked, or shocked, so that walks can be enjoyable for everyone.

Positively motivate when leash training a puppy instead of "leash popping"

Old-style leash training was about "popping the leash" and creating an unpleasant consequence when a dog doesn't behave ideally on a leash. Professional certified trainers and behaviorists have long moved past this outdated, discredited idea.

What should you be doing instead when you start leash training?

You'll want to focus on motivating your dog to do something good rather than correcting your dog. Motivating your dog to engage in behavior you want to see and rewarding them enthusiastically is the surest way to success in dog training - and building your bond of trust in the process.

That's what positive reinforcement training is all about - based in science and how you always want to work with your dogs.

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Let's start leash training...

Now let's jump into the how of puppy leash training. You can watch as I go through all these steps with Spirit in the accompanying video below. You'll be able to see the timing and tone of these training sessions and what I mean by making it fun for your dog and being your puppy's best cheerleader!

What's the fundamental learning at the heart of our leash training?

A training walk is about getting our dogs in the habit of paying attention.

3 Practice exercises to teach your puppy loose leash walking as a go-to habit

How to do each level step by step...

1) First, let's make sure your puppy gets the idea of leash walking by practicing indoors in this easiest of settings in a distraction free area.

(You can see how I'm working with Spirit in the video with each step.)

• Find a spot indoors where you can practice walking your puppy on leash with a harness (see pro tip note below on equipment).
• Have training treats in hand or in a treat pouch (the good stuff, something your puppy loves), ready to reward immediately when your puppy walks closely with you or looks up to check in with you.
• Use a clicker or a marker word like "yes!" then treat every good behavior immediately so it registers with your dog that this is a good thing that works for him or her.
• Let your dog naturally follow along closely with you and encourage with a happy voice to get your puppy's attention (not "commands" or jerking on the leash). Always offer treats along the way for walking alongside with you.
• Change direction and see if your puppy will look up at you and follow along. Mark and reward immediately!
• If all is working smoothly in this easy setting, you're ready to take it outside.

2) Next, once your puppy is comfortable with indoor practice, let's go outside to your yard or safe quiet space.

In the next two outdoor scenarios, you're introducing the possibility of distractions coming into play. The beauty of training walks is you can use distractions as an opportunity to get your dog to listen to you. Remember to be tolerant and patient with your pup - being distracted is just part of being a puppy.

• Start as before in the indoor practice with treats in hand, constantly ready to praise and reward your puppy in the moment.
• Proceed as in your earlier practice with letting your puppy walk close to you naturally and marking and rewarding along the way.
• Change direction and see if you can get your puppy to look up at you, then click or say "yes!" and reward eye contact and walking next to you with immediate clicker and treats.
• Practice walking together, rewarding along the way, and using your happy, most interesting voice to praise your puppy for any and all good things.
• Once you've practiced and all is going well, you can take it to the next outdoor level - a more real-life, public outdoor space.

3) Now let's go into the real world and see how things go!

Health note: Remember to make sure your puppy is properly vaccinated before taking your training outside to public spaces.

• Choose an outdoor space in a safe but "real world" setting (obviously not a dog park or crazy-high-distraction place).
• Know that you will have more distractions - even if just a squirrel or other people. Do be aware if anything appears that could feel threatening for your puppy. You always want your puppy to feel safe and secure.
• If your puppy does get curious and distracted, remember to use it as an opportunity to have your dog listen to you. Simply redirect and ask for a "sit" or "watch me" or "look" and reward generously!
• Walk forward as in earlier exercises and change direction occasionally to see if you can get your puppy to look up at you and follow along. Reward for eye contact and for walking closely with you.
• Reward along the way for behaviors we want to see!

You'll notice in all three of these scenarios I have a happy voice and act interesting to encourage Spirit to want to stick with me.

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Dogs like it when we're fun, so get peppy and have fun with your dog while you're training!

Make leash training something your puppy loves doing. Make it super fun for your dog. You'll both enjoy it more, have less stress, and your dog will progress much more quickly.

It's not just about giving your dog a treat every time he/she does something good...

The #1 thing you want to accomplish when leash training a puppy

Let your puppy know you sincerely appreciate how much he/she is trying. So share the love, big time!

If your dog knows you appreciate his or her attention and effort and feels rewarded for good behaviors, even incrementally, you're laying the groundwork for learning everything not just leash skills.

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What to do if your puppy is rambunctious during training sessions

Pro tip: Exercise first.

If your dog gets especially rambunctious during leash training, you most certainly need to exercise your puppy before your training sessions. Take some time for some good, hardy play so your puppy - or your adult dog - will be at an even energy level to be calm and ready to learn.

Leash training troubleshooting: Have the right equipment

Pro tip: Use equipment that supports what you're trying to do and is safe.

Harnesses: A harness is a must-have for leash training and walking. (You'll notice I'm using a harness with Spirit in the video.) No matter your dog's size, a collar can put pressure on your pup's neck and throat with the slightest amount of pulling (which can happen with even well-trained dogs when they spot other dogs or see something of interest and lean in for a sniff).

Harnesses also allow for a better feel between you and your dog when your bodies shift so you can stay in sync. Since a harness distributes any pressure evenly across the shoulders and torso, it's a healthier choice to protect your dog's neck during dog or puppy walking.

Leashes: A regular 6-7 foot dog leash is your best leash for walk training. Just make sure the size and weight of the hardware matches your puppy's or dog's size so you're not weighing down your pup. Never use a retractable leash; they're dangerous for dogs and humans in a number of ways and don't give you the good control you need.

Remember to practice, practice, and, most of all, enjoy your pup!

Next up in the Puppy Channel on Dogly

Now that you've mastered leash training a puppy and know how to make it a fun and successful experience for your pup, here's to many happy walks together!

Check out the rest of the Puppy Channel for more on training or jump over to the Life Stage Feeding Channel to find out the foods a certified canine nutritionist recommends for your puppy's best health.

If you have any questions on leash training or any training with your new dog or puppy, just ask us in the Community discussion! Or get customized training help in your dog's plan here.