Choosing the Right Collar or Harness, and Leash

There are plenty of different types of collars, harnesses and leashes on the market. How do you know which one is right to leash train your puppy.

Neck collars are the most common choice and a fine one for dogs who aren't inclined to pull. Harnesses have become more and more popular in recent years and are considered by trainers to be an excellent tool in leash training dogs, because a harness won't injure a dog's neck or windpipe if he pulls. Harnesses are also less likely to get tangled beneath their feet as the leash attaches on their back, rather than the neck, which can spin to the front during the walk.

You will also find, perhaps surprisingly, a lot of different leash choices — just to get started, there's retractable, chain, adjustable and multiple dog leashes. Some trainers prefer a slip leash to train a puppy to heel because it gives the walker more control than a standard leash. But if your dog pulls, a harness or head halter is a better choice because it won't hurt or choke him.

Make sure to also select a leash that is appropriate for your dog. Too large of a leash may cause unnecessary weight to your small dog, and too small of a leash could spell disaster for you if he sees wildlife he wants to go investigate on his own. After all, it makes sense that the right leash plays a big role in leash training your puppy.

Stopping Unwanted Behaviors

Dogs have all sorts of bad habits on walks. One of the most common is pulling. If your dog pulls, give him less slack on the leash. The more lead he has, the more permission he thinks he has to explore. In addition, if a dog pulls, immediately stop walking and use a verbal cue like "oops" or "no pull." Then wait for a loose leash before continuing forward. Remember in leash training — just like with any other training— to use treats and positive reinforcement when your dog is behaving correctly.

If you notice your dog is pulling for a certain reason: wildlife, other dogs, strangers, etc., it might be best to walk another direction or wait until the new discovery has passed. Again, you want to avoid injuring him, or letting him think that pulling is okay. If you allow him to pull and try and walk faster to keep up with him, you're teaching him that all he has to do is speed up to get to thing quicker, which can turn your leisurely walk into a full-on sprint.

Walking with Your Pack

While a puppy is being leash trained, it is advisable to walk him alone, even if you have other dogs in the home, Mychelle Blake, a dog training expert, tells Animal Wellness magazine. Having more than one dog can be distracting, as well as dangerous. Until you know your puppy is trained and are familiar with his temperament and moods, you should walk him by himself. Once you think he's ready, you can walk multiple dogs at once on the same lead by adding something called a "coupler," which separates leashes to reduce tangling.

Walking at Night

It is likely that at some point you will have to walk your puppy at night. It is even more imperative to follow good leash training tips when walking a dog at night because he is more likely to pick up on things you can't see like night-life. You don't want him to pull and yank the leash out of your hands and make it difficult to find him in the dark. Again, keep him close and walking on a pathway, preferably in view of light (either from carrying a flashlight or in the glow of streetlights).

Taking walks together is a valuable bonding time for you and your pup. By learning how to leash training your puppy, you strengthen and deepen the relationship with your favorite walking partner.

For more puppy training tips and tricks, take a look at our more comprehensive puppy training basics article.