How to Walk a Puppy

Dog walks can become a real nightmare if we do not start to train our dogs from an early age. Therefore, it is essential to start walking our puppy properly, following some training guidelines. If we don't do this during its puppy stage, they will end up poorly educated dogs that pull the leash when taken out.

The kind of feeding and care are given to our puppy are essential, but training and socialization with other dogs are equally crucial. Due to this, we'll demonstrate in this article how to walk a puppy correctly.

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Before Taking the Puppy for a Walk

Remember that you must wait to have all the mandatory vaccinations before taking your puppy on the street. In the meantime, you can take advantage of homeschooling, such as familiarizing him with the collar and leash. Many puppies are scared during their first walk because they are not used to wearing a collar, much less tied. Therefore, put the necklace on him from time to time so that you become familiar with it.

Read also: How to Train a Border Collie – Puppies and Adults.

Put the leash on and let him carry it around the house, even if he pulls it around and plays with it. If the game happens to be breaking the leash, say a firm 'NO' so that he learns not to do that. When he stops, reward him by saying, 'Very good!' Another very effective tactic is to simulate walks around the house so that he learns to go by your side and knows what it is to be guided on a leash.

How to Walk a Puppy - Step 1
Image source: Reproduction/Internet

The First Ride

Keep in mind that this is new to him, and it is normal for him to feel aroused, calm him down before going out. Until he is completely calm and still, do not take him out to the street. Otherwise, he won't learn how to behave properly. Once this is done, you must go out the door first to demonstrate your position as a leader, then him. Do not forget to bring treats to reward him and bags for collecting the excrement if he does.

It is advisable to use a fixed, non-extendable leash to handle the puppy better. Once outside, give him a treat, so he knows that he always has to come out after you. Then start walking.

In case he overtakes you, starts to jump nervous or disobeys you, stop and say 'NO' so that he understands that he should not adopt that behavior. When he stops, give him a treat. A handy trick to make him listen to you and feel him every time you stop is to stop in front of him, with a treat in your hand, wait for him to sit down, give it to him when he does and say 'Very good!'. Then take a long step forward and repeat the process. Take two or three steps and do it again. Now take two or three more steps and repeat, and so on for a chunk until the puppy feels intuitive each time you stop.

If what happens to him is that he is afraid and does not want to walk, do not force it. You must encourage him with kind words and treats, loosen the leash, and remain calm. Otherwise, you will transmit your nerves, and he will not move.

It is recommended that your puppy's first walks last no more than 10 minutes. Being so small, it is normal for him to tire quickly and stop when this happens, so do not worry if he does not want to walk anymore because he will probably be exhausted. As you get older, you should increase your exercise time.

How to Walk a Puppy - Step 4
Image source: Reproduction/Internet

Patience is key to teaching your puppy for a walk since the first times be complicated. It is essential that you maintain your position as a leader at all times and do not let him overtake you during the ride. Every time he does stop and say 'NO' if necessary, shorten the leash to reduce his range of movement. If you practice the trick of the treats, he will sit down and learn not to walk in front of you.

Also read: How to Bathe an Aggressive Cat

Remember that you should take advantage of the first walks to start the socialization process of your puppy so that you do not prevent him from meeting other dogs. Always use positive conditioning so that your puppy associates the street with something good; do not fear it and listen to you. Remember that teaching a dog to walk is not something that is achieved in a day, so it is essential that you be patient and start at home before the first walks.

Adapted and translated by The Cop Cart Staff

Sources: Unicom

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