How to begin leash training a puppy?
Friday, October 28th, 2011 at
7:00 pm
We’ve just adopted a new pup (we took in a stray unexpectedly so I had no time to research this ahead of time) and I want to begin leash training immediately. I’ve only ever adopted older dogs that have come to me with leash manners already. But I have no idea where to start with a young pup. I think the pup is about 8-10 weeks old, is this too soon to begin training? If so, then what is the appropriate age?
Filed under: Dog Training
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Yes and no. Your vet would probably tell you not to have your dog walking around outside until all vaccinations are complete. His immune system is not working at 100 percent, and you can only imagine what he will pick up from outside.
You can take the dog out in a "safe" area…Like your yard, or a place where either no dogs/animals have access or where some dogs that you know (and are healthy and vaccinated) will go. For socialization, you can play date your pup on occasion with gentle, neutral , healthy dogs that you know. Always carefully and closely supervise, even if you think everything will be OK.
You should begin training immediately..today…just in the way you handle your dog. I will bet he will pick up sit and come within a day or 2! Do 2 or 3 5 minute sessions of the basics, starting with sit, come and watch me. Your very young pup won’t have too much attention span, so keep it short and always end on a good note.
If you haven’t had puppies before…a good resource book is My Smart Puppy by Brian Kilcommons. There are many others..and most come with a dvd inside. Leash training is discussed, tips given, and you can watch it on video.
You should start introducing the leash to your pup now…leave it out in her presence, let her step on it, pet her with it, hook it up to her collar, leave it for a minute, take it off.In about another month, you can start letting her drag it around under your supervision, and actually walk her on leash in the house. Positive reward is the best way to start a puppy this young..even a few good steps at heel in the house, and a lot of praise and reward. Gradually lengthen the distance and cut back the reward.
At 4 months…when your dog will get the OK to go out…you can start loose leash walking outside.
Congratulations and good luck.
i start as soon as i bring home
get books or talk to trainer
i put on leash and they live with it on for the first two weeks