When leash training, your first task should be to get your puppy/dog use to its leash. As with all types of dog training, puppy leash training, is best carried out in a fun and pleasant atmosphere. Having a calm, well-mannered dog at the end of its leash makes "walkies" an enjoyable and safe experience for both owner and dog. If your puppy is constantly pulling and tugging on its leash, then its time you seriously considered leash training your puppy.
Walking with a well-trained puppy on a leash can play a huge part in both you and your puppy's fitness. The sooner you tackle leash training your puppy the easier it will be to have your puppy behave the way you want. Puppy leash training will require a certain amount of patients and persistence, but the rewards far outweigh the effort.
With minor adjustments a good quality flat leather collar can be made to fit a puppy and last well into adulthood. One of the first things to get right when leash training your puppy is its collar, too tight and your puppy will be agitated and become distracted, too loose, and your puppy may brake free.
Choke chains left on dogs when not training can cause serious injury, if the chain gets cot in something while the dog is running and playing it can choke your dog. While leash training, choke chains can offer better control for the owner than a dog harness, as harnesses can give dogs more pulling power. Only use a choke chain for training your dog.
While some dogs can get quite excited when they know it's time to go walkies, this can make the training exercise difficult, so after putting on the leash try and let your puppy settle down before you begin. Avoid, at first, having other dogs and children around when introducing leash training to your dog, as the distractions may prove too much for your dog.
When leash training your dog, give them clearly defined boundaries by praising them madly when they do good and correct (not punish) them when they do bad. Puppies don't naturally get it when it comes to walking on a leash, but it's something they learn quite well once thought in a fun way. Not having other road/park users scold you for having an out-of-control dog is just one of the rewards for teaching your puppy to walk well on a leash.
Your puppy will tend to do the things that get them the most attention and praise. When your puppy realizes that doing certain actions gets them treats and praise, the easier leash training becomes for everyone involved. Walks with your dog are meant to be an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. When first tackling leash training, try picking a place that is quite and free from distractions for your puppy.
Giving your dog treats as rewards when leash training can really help your puppy to focus on doing as you ask. As with most types of dog training treats can play an important role when leash training.
Remember not to let your dog assume the role of a pack leader while walking on a leash, show them you are the leader and they are to follow. Consistency and praise is the key when it comes to leash training your puppy.