Getting a puppy is a wonderful experience. However, it comes with certain responsibilities and duties. First and foremost, the puppy should be trained well right from the beginning in the basics of house living so you do not have too much trouble with new addition. These would include commands such as ‘come’, ‘sit’, ‘beg’, ‘lie down’, ‘roll over’ and so on. Dog leash training is also one of the most basic parts of dog training.

Walking the Dog

Unless you live on a ranch, you will need to take your dog for a walk on a leash once or twice a day so it gets the required exercise and it can relieve itself outside. A certain amount of discipline will be needed from the dog if you do not want to be running after it and screaming at it everytime it wants to chase something or someone. This discipline while walking on a leash is called, dog leash training.

The Best Time to Start Dog Leash Training

The training of a puppy should start ideally when it is about 6-7 weeks old. The best and fastest way to get good results is to use the positive reinforcement, i.e. everytime it performs well; it should be praised lavishly and/or given a small treat. The positive reinforcement method works much better than any other method available for training dogs.

Location, Location, Location

Dog leash training should be started in friendly and known environment; otherwise the puppy would be too busy inspecting the new place to listen to what you have to say. The best place would be the front of your house, or the backyard. Use a nylon lead for the first time which is light and yet strong enough. Sometimes a choker collar would be good to keep the dog from pulling on the lead, though the best would be gentle tugging with a stern command.

Best First Steps

As mentioned earlier, the best way for dog leash training is the positive reinforcement method. You walk in front of the dog and call it to you. When it comes, you give it a treat and praise it. Keep repeating this process while gradually increasing the distance you have the dog walk with you, along with you. Everytime it does it without pulling or staying behind you reward it. It will surely take time and patience, but it will be fun for you and the dog.