Leash Training a Puppy: From Flailing Fish to Loose Leash

Start indoors

Let the puppy wear the collar or harness during meals and play until it's furniture. Then attach the leash and just let it drag (supervised), then hold it loosely while following them around. The leash should predict good things, not restraint battles.

The one rule that matters

From day one: a tight leash makes the world stop; a loose leash makes it go. When they hit the end, stand still like a tree; the instant slack returns, walk on. Boring, repetitive — and it's the entire secret.

Reward position

Feed treats beside your leg often, so 'near you' becomes the best real estate on the walk. Change directions playfully, talk to them, be more interesting than the environment. Short frequent sessions beat marathons.

Puppy-walk reality

Young puppy walks are sniffing expeditions with occasional walking, and that's correct — exploration is the point at this age. Save distance goals for the grown dog; save your shoulder by building the loose-leash habit now.