Tips to train my puppy to walk on a leash and harness properly?

Question

Today I just purchased a harness and leash for Molly and I was wondering how could I train Molly to get used to the leash and walk on it properly? Any tips or tricks? (Molly's a Yorkshire who's 8 months old). Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 8 months and 6 days old | 3.96 lbs

Debi Matlack · Accepted Answer

Patience. To get her used to it, when you can keep an eye on her, hook it to her collar and let her drag it around the house. Every time you out it on her, give her a treat, lots of praise and show her lots of enthusiasm. Practice off leash in a puppy-safe, potty safe area and reward your pup for sitting. Give one treat for sitting and additional treats for remaining seated. Once you have her undivided attention, run the other way to incite a chase. Stop after 5-7 steps, before she catches up. When she gets to you, she sits and gets a reward. Now she has the idea that it’s fun to follow you. Next, repeat the same process with a lightweight leash attached to her flat collar so she gets used to the feel of the leash. Of course, make sure that she can’t get it snagged on anything or you’ll be adding an extra day or two to your training! After you’ve practiced that a couple of times you’re ready to hold the leash. In fact, you can often skip that leash dragging stage. Your pup is already used to following you when you sprint or head the other way. So, you can walk but with quick little steps so it looks like you are sprinting to get her to follow after you. Make sure that you keep the leash in a loose arc the entire time. Alternatively you can go for variation two. Walk to the end of the leash, but without letting the leash tighten. We want to avoid any pressure at first since pressure might scare her. When you get to the end, remain with your body facing forward while looking back at your puppy or face your body slightly sideways so you can see her more easily. Then lure her to you with a treat. Do this 3-6 times in a row or more until you can rapidly walk away and when you stop and lure she readily catches up to you when she sees the treat. Next, repeat the process but don’t show her the treat until after she catches up to you. Once she follows you 3-6 times, she will most likely start to walk with you as you begin to walk away.

Tips to train my puppy to walk on a leash and harness properly?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

My Yorkie puppy's back legs are splayed. Is it swimmer's syndrome?

My yorkie jumped and is limping. Is favoring her leg a concern?

My dog can't move, is in pain, not eating, and not peeing. Why?

My senior Yorkie has a blistered lump. Can it be treated affordably?

My Yorkie is limping after a jump. Is massage safe without an X-ray?

Why is my Yorkie pooping bright red bloody mucus but seems fine?

Share