Puppy Leash Training Tips: Teach Your Pup to Walk Calmly on a Leash

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Taking your puppy for a walk should be fun, not a tug-of-war. But leash training a puppy can be challenging — they pull, they freeze, they chase every leaf! Don’t worry — every dog owner has been there.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to leash train your puppy step by step, from introducing the leash to mastering calm, confident walks. We’ll also troubleshoot common problems and give you practical tips to make walking a joy for both of you.

Let’s get started!

Why Leash Training Matters

Walking calmly on a leash isn’t just a nicety — it’s a life skill. It helps your puppy:

  • Stay safe in public
  • Get healthy exercise
  • Build focus and obedience
  • Enjoy outings without stress or fear

Plus, it makes your daily walks way more pleasant.

When to Start Leash Training a Puppy

You can start leash training as early as 8 weeks old. The younger your pup is, the faster they’ll adapt to the leash.

Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and positive in the early days. Build up as your puppy gets more confident.

Step-by-Step Leash Training Plan

Step 1: Introduce the Collar or Harness

Start with a comfortable collar or harness. Let your puppy wear it around the house to get used to the feeling.

Tip: Use treats or playtime while putting it on so your pup associates it with good things.

Step 2: Attach the Leash Indoors

Clip on a lightweight leash and let your puppy drag it around under supervision.

This helps them get used to the tugging sensation without pressure.

Step 3: Practice Indoor Walking

Hold the leash and walk around a quiet space:

  • Use a happy voice to encourage your puppy to follow
  • Give treats for staying near you
  • Use a marker word like “yes!” when they’re walking nicely

Step 4: Take It Outside (Low-Distraction First)

Head to a quiet yard or sidewalk. Keep the first few outdoor sessions short and reward heavily for attention and loose-leash walking.

Expect distractions and sniffing — that’s okay! Keep rewarding your pup for checking in with you.

Step 5: Build Duration and Distance

Gradually increase the length and difficulty of your walks:

  • Vary your route
  • Walk near other people or dogs (at a distance)
  • Practice “sit” or “watch me” to keep focus

Common Puppy Leash Training Problems (And How to Fix Them)

1. Pulling on the Leash

Your puppy surges ahead and yanks you along.

Fix:

  • Stop walking when they pull
  • Wait for slack in the leash, then continue
  • Use treats to reward walking by your side

2. Refusing to Walk / Freezing

Your puppy sits or lays down and won’t budge.

Fix:

  • Kneel, use a happy voice, and gently encourage forward motion
  • Toss a treat a few feet ahead
  • Avoid pulling or dragging

3. Lunging at People or Dogs

Your pup gets overexcited and jumps toward stimuli.

Fix:

  • Increase distance from distractions
  • Use “sit” or “watch me” as alternative behaviors
  • Reward calm focus

4. Chewing the Leash

Common with teething pups.

Fix:

  • Use a bitter spray on the leash
  • Redirect to a chew toy when not walking

Tools That Can Help

  • Flat collar or Y-harness: For comfort and control
  • Treat pouch: Easy access to rewards
  • Clicker: For marking good behavior
  • Training leash (4–6 ft): Not too short, not too long

Avoid retractable leashes during training — they make it harder to control behavior and timing.

Advanced Leash Skills

Once your pup is walking nicely on a leash, you can level up:

  • Heel command: Teach your puppy to walk closely beside you
  • Leave it: Ignore distractions on the ground
  • Loose-leash walking around distractions: Build impulse control

These are great next steps once your puppy masters the basics.

Puppy Leash Training FAQs

How long does leash training take? Most puppies get the hang of it in a few weeks with daily practice. Some may take longer depending on age and breed.

Should I use a harness or collar? Harnesses are often more comfortable and provide better control, especially for small breeds or pullers.

My puppy keeps biting the leash — what now? Stop the walk briefly, redirect to a toy, and reinforce calm behavior.

What if my puppy only walks at home but freezes outside? That’s normal! Outdoor sights and sounds can be overwhelming. Go slow, use treats, and praise small wins.

What to Read Next

Leash training takes time and patience, but it sets the foundation for a lifetime of safe, happy walks. Keep sessions short, celebrate the small wins, and remember — every step forward counts.

Want a printable leash training checklist? Download our free training tracker here!