Leash Training a Puppy: Little Cooper Gets Ready for the Puppy Parade

While leash training a puppy may seem like "herding cats", know that puppies are eager to learn and please you. You just have to know how to redirect that SUV-load of energy into constructive behaviors. And it's freakin' adorable.

Last year, I attended our town's semi-annual Puppy Parade—a little tradition someone suggested to our dog-loving community a few years back, and we've been doing it ever since. It’s amazing fun even for spectators like me.

But there’s always that one pup who just doesn’t get the memo about walking politely. They bound out in the crowd, get over-excited, or tug.

Little Cooper has unmistakable charisma, like "could be YouTube famous" cute. But he just can't keep his cool on a leash, tugging and whining. He clearly didn't prepare for the Puppy Parade challenge. Puppy leash training would certainly help.

Why Puppy Leash Training Matters

Leash training does more than teach a puppy to walk calmly. And it's certainly not about you exerting your control over the little ball of joy you've welcomed into your home. Leash training a puppy promotes:

• Safety. A leash-trained pup won't bound into oncoming traffic to get to the children playing on the other side of the street. They come when you call.
• Cooperation. They learn to walk politely, so walks are more enjoyable for both of you. They'll get to where they want to be faster—like the dog park, or the living room for a meaty beef marrow-filled dog bone.
• Trust. They learn to trust you. You're always leading them somewhere good, even if that is just to relieve themselves.
• Bonding. Leash training strengthens your relationship as you establish clear communication that will help you further their training and the fun you'll have together over the years.

Tools You’ll Need for Leash Training a Puppy

When I'm helping a neighbor with a new puppy, here are my must-haves.

A Sturdy Leash. Opt for a leash that’s 4-6 feet long. Avoid retractable leashes for training—they give too much freedom and can confuse your puppy.

I also avoid "choke leashes" that tighten when the dog pulls. Maybe some big dogs who didn't receive training early can be trained with these, if used carefully. But let's create a positive learning environment for your puppy instead.

Here's a good puppy training leash I found on Amazon. It has a handle at two different lengths to increase control or flexibility as needed.

A Comfortable Harness. You can get a cheap one for around $10, but it won't hold up and will probably be uncomfortable. I like this training harness from Ruffwear. It's solid and very adjustable. And it has a front clip, ideal for puppy leash training.

High-Value Puppy Training Treats. Healthy and irresistible—the right treats are indispensable. They create positive associations quickly, and I can feel good that I'm giving my dog a single-ingredient, nutritious treat. I buy beef lung bites in bulk for training.

The roasted and dried organ meat training treats easily break into smaller pieces, so a bag lasts a long time. And dogs will do almost anything to get their jaws on these tiny treats. K9s stay focused and motivated. You can find these single-ingredient dog training treats here.

A Quality Treat Pouch. Please get rid of that sandwich bag full of dog treats. You and your puppy deserve better. I love this Mighty Paw Treat Pouch. It's lasted me a long time and has multiple compartments for different types of training treats—small dog bones for puppies, trachea chews, and lung bites. Here’s the one I recommend on Amazon.

How to Leash Train a Puppy: Step-by-Step

1. Introduce the Leash and Harness

To begin, lay the leash and harness in the middle of the room. Let your puppy find them, sniff them, and most importantly, realize they're not snakes or traps. Instead, they become a curiosity. "What is this, Mom/Dad? Can I play with it?"

2. Put the Harness on

Let the puppy run around in their harness indoors for a few minutes to make sure it's not too tight.

3. Practice Indoors

Clip the leash to the harness. And let them walk around the house with it. This allows them to get used to the sensation without distractions.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward your puppy for walking next to you. If they stay by your side or follow your lead, give them a treat and plenty of praise.

5. Redirect Pulling

Pulling on the leash will be a natural behavior as they try to figure out where the boundaries are. Stop walking immediately when they pull. Don't tug back. Wait for them to relax. Reward them with beef lung treats. Then, start walking again.

This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them what they want. Following your lead, however, earns them the best puppy training treats.

6. Take Small Walks

Start indoors and progress to 5 minutes in the driveway or on a neighborhood street. Gradually increase the distance and introduce more distractions as your puppy gets the hang of it.

7. Practice Every Day

They need to know that this will be the "new norm". Do it every day, at least once, even if you're not taking them on formal walks yet. If they struggle with longer walks, try 2-3 minutes 2-3 times daily. Remember to bring your treat pouch and their favorite dog treats when you leave the house. Immediate reward is essential for positive reinforcement.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges When Leash Training a Puppy

My Puppy Refuses to Walk while Leashed

Puppies can be stubborn. Hold a high-value treat in front of them to encourage them and lead them forward. Reward them when they start moving forward with you. I also recommend you use a higher-pitched cheerful voice to motivate them. Dogs respond to higher-pitched voices more readily—and we all have one, even if we don't use it.

My Puppy Pulls on the Leash Constantly

Practice in a low-distraction environment. Hold them steady. But do not yank them back, as a front clip can put undue stress on the shoulders when pulled aggressively. Reward them when they stop pulling and come near you.

They'll get it with a bit of patience. I have trained dozens of dogs and puppies. Some pull more than others, but dog leash training always works.

My Puppy Bites the Leash

Redirect their attention to a toy or treat.

My Puppy Doesn't Want to Learn

I know it seems that way. They just don't understand what you're trying to do yet. If you've been trying for a few minutes and nothing is working, try to end on a high note with a positive attitude. See if you can get your puppy to come to your side and walk beside you even for a few seconds. Reward them. Then release them. Try again later.

The goal here is to have the last memory of training feel positive. So they start to associate happy feelings with training with you.

Free 7-Day Dog Training Challenge

It's just easier to see puppy training in action. So, check out this Free 7-Day Dog Training Challenge for step-by-step guidance on essential commands and techniques. Get started here.

And just to wrap things up, I'm happy to report that Little Cooper just needed a little encouragement and direction. I worked with him and his dog dad, and he'll be ready for his next parade—when he joins the big dogs.

Available On: