Puppy Walking Tips: The Ultimate Guide for New Owners

Puppies are bundles of energy and love, but let's be real, they don't come pre-programmed with perfect leash manners. Early puppy walking can feel like a wrestling match. This guide is packed with puppy walking tips to help you transform those chaotic puppy walks into enjoyable strolls. We'll cover everything from finding the right gear to mastering positive reinforcement, so you and your pup can confidently hit the pavement together.

Walking politely on leash is a skill many pet owners want their canine companions to have—but it can be tricky to teach an energetic ball of fur to stay near your side. Don’t even get us started on unwanted behaviors like turning the leash into a tug toy or eating every questionable tidbit off the sidewalk.

We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to start your puppy off on the right paw as you lay the foundation for loose leash walking! Read on for:

• Reasons loose-leash walking is a valuable skill to teach your new dog
• Supplies you need to start leash training your puppy
• Tips and tricks to start your teaching process
• Key information about how much your puppy can safely exercise
• Resources to learn more about loose-leash training

Why Leash Train Your Puppy?Why does your dog need to learn how to walk on a leash?

Taking your dog for a walk can be an incredibly relaxing experience. It’s many dog owners’ favorite way to unwind after a stressful day at work, running errands, or (let’s face it) simply spending too much time with other people and not enough with our pets.

But walking your dog can also be stressful if your four-legged friend doesn’t know how to walk without pulling. Getting yanked from side to side as you hold onto the leash for dear life isn’t what most pet parents consider fun! Plus this behavior can be dangerous for both you and your dog—not to mention the people, other pets, and wildlife around you.

Loose-leash training can make a big difference. When your puppy walks on a loose leash:

• They won’t hurt their neck, shoulders, or spine by pulling.
• You won’t hurt your own hands or back, either.
• You’ll be able to safely pass by your neighbors.
• The walk will be about spending time together. Your dog won’t act like you don’t exist!
• Ultimately: A leash-trained dog will be able to enjoy more situations by your side. Isn’t that why we all wanted dogs in the first place?

Key Takeaways

• Introduce leash walking gradually: Start with short, indoor sessions in a quiet environment, using positive reinforcement to build a positive association with the leash and harness.
• Keep walks short and engaging: Mix play and breaks into your walks to maintain your puppy's focus and prevent overstimulation. Gradually introduce new environments and distractions as their confidence grows.
• Tailor training to your puppy's development: Understand your puppy's physical limitations and avoid excessive exercise. Be patient and focus on creating positive experiences, seeking professional guidance when needed. Sniffspot can help you find safe and controlled environments for practice.

What You Need to Leash Train Your PuppyWhat you need before you start leash training your puppy

Prepare a few things ahead of time before you start doing any real training work with your puppy.

Patience is Key

First things first: Remember your new dog is just a baby! Puppies physically mature much faster than human children do—at eight weeks they can already romp and play, and within a few months they’ll appear almost full grown—but their brains are still developing for the first couple years of their life.

If you’re going to successfully work with a young dog, you need to practice your patience.

Harness, Collar & Leash

You’ll need a comfortable way to keep your puppy secure when out and about in the world.

Harnesses work especially well for young pups. A well-fitted, Y-shaped harness can give your new dog freedom to move around comfortably, without risking trachea damage, while still providing you a way to rein them in if necessary.

Choosing the Right Harness

When it comes to keeping your puppy secure and comfortable during walks, selecting the right harness is crucial. A well-fitted, Y-shaped harness is highly recommended for young pups. This style allows for freedom of movement while minimizing the risk of trachea damage, which can occur with a collar—especially when the puppy pulls on the leash. A front-clip harness can also help discourage pulling by gently redirecting your pup's attention back to you. For more information on different harness types, check out this article on choosing the right harness for your dog.

Leash Selection

In addition to a proper harness, the right leash is essential for effective leash training. A standard 4–6 foot leash is ideal, as it allows you to maintain control while giving your puppy some freedom to explore. Avoid retractable leashes; these can actually encourage pulling. For now, skip the super long training leads—those are better suited for practicing recall and other off-leash skills in a safe, enclosed area, like one of the private dog parks on Sniffspot. A comfortable leash material is important. Many people prefer a padded handle or a leash made from a softer material like biothane.

Treats and Rewards

These can help motivate your puppy to work with you in leash training sessions.

Puppy Walking Tips: Getting StartedTips to get your puppy started with loose leash walking

Expose your puppy to their collar or harness and leash early on

Follow these steps to help your puppy get comfortable with their collar or harness and leash. Dogs aren’t born knowing that these are normal things to wear! The sensation might take some getting used to.

Gradual Introductions are Best

Start by allowing your puppy to sniff and investigate their collar or harness before putting it on.

Make it Positive

Associate your puppy’s collar or harness with positive experiences like treats or playtime!

Once your young dog has investigated their new gear, slowly put the collar around their neck or their legs through the harness openings. Immediately reward them with treats and praise.

Gradually increase the duration your puppy wears their collar or harness. Whenever it’s on? Engage in fun activities—we recommend gentle play or favorite belly rubs—or give them their favorite treats. This helps create positive associations with wearing their gear.

Keep Early Sessions Short

In the beginning, keep collar or harness wearing sessions short to prevent your puppy from becoming overwhelmed. Gradually increase the duration over time as your new dog becomes more comfortable!

Start Indoors

Before venturing outside, it’s essential to begin your puppy’s leash training in a controlled environment. Starting indoors allows your puppy to acclimate to the collar or harness and leash without the distractions of the outside world. As noted by Purina, starting early, inside your home, helps your puppy feel secure and focused on learning.

Once your puppy is comfortable wearing their gear, practice walking with the leash indoors in a distraction-free environment. The American Kennel Club emphasizes practicing inside to build a solid foundation for your puppy’s leash manners. You can even start in a smaller room, like a bedroom or bathroom, before moving to larger areas of your house.

After your puppy masters walking on a loose leash indoors, gradually transition to a familiar outdoor space, such as your yard. According to The Puppy Academy, once your puppy understands “Heel” indoors, you can move to a familiar outdoor space. This gradual exposure helps your puppy adjust to new sights and sounds while reinforcing learned skills. If you don’t have a private yard, you could try a Sniffspot!

Remember to keep training sessions short and positive. The Academy for Dog Trainers advises keeping training sessions short and positive, which is crucial for maintaining your puppy’s interest and enthusiasm. Aim for sessions lasting just a few minutes at a time, especially when your puppy is young and still building their focus.

By starting indoors and gradually introducing your puppy to the leash, you set the stage for successful and enjoyable walks together! For more tips on training and enriching your dog's life, check out the Sniffspot blog.

Keep your walks short and sweet

Remember when we said your puppy’s brain isn’t fully developed until a couple years of age?

While young dogs can learn so much, it’s important to understand their impulse control and attention span limitations. Meet them where they’re at. In order to be a good dog guardian, you need to be fair to your puppy!

Mix in play and other activities to keep your young pup’s focus

It’s a good idea to mix in play, other activities like mental exercise, and short breaks to just hang out and watch the world go by on your walks.

Your canine companion is too little to go on long, focused hikes just yet. Aim for about five minutes of exercise for each month of age, and stick to low impact exercise to protect your pup’s joints.

(More on your dog’s physical exercise needs—with a link to an exercise calculator guide—at the end of this article.)

Pre-Walk Playtime

Before heading out for a walk, engage your puppy in some pre-walk playtime. This helps burn off excess energy and makes your puppy more receptive to training during the walk. A tired puppy is often a more focused puppy! Try a quick game of fetch or a short tug-of-war session.

Keep in mind that puppies have short attention spans and limited impulse control. Therefore, keep your walks short and sweet. A good rule of thumb is about five minutes of exercise for each month of age. Stick with low-impact activities to protect their developing joints. For more information on appropriate puppy exercise, check out Sniffspot's guide to puppy walking.

Incorporating play into your pre-walk routine can also help maintain your puppy's focus during the walk. Mixing in play and other activities, like a quick training game or two, keeps your young pup engaged and makes the experience more enjoyable for both of you. Consider bringing a favorite toy along on your route.

By establishing a fun and energetic pre-walk routine, you set the stage for a successful and enjoyable walking experience, reinforcing positive behaviors and strengthening your bond with your puppy. And if you're looking for the perfect place to let your pup run and play after your walk, check out Sniffspot's listings of dog-friendly parks and spaces near you!

Reward your puppy often!

It’s easy for a young dog to get discouraged (or simply become bored) if you don’t provide them with frequent feedback. Reward them often for doing things you like, such as making eye contact with you or staying near your side. You can “build value” in the position of walking next to you by providing lots of praise, treats, or favorite toys when your puppy chooses to walk there!

The more you reward what you want to see, the less you’ll have to deal with undesirable behaviors.

Clicker Training and Verbal Cues

Clicker training is an effective method for teaching loose-leash walking. This technique uses a small device that makes a distinct “click” sound to mark desired behaviors. When your puppy walks beside you without pulling, click the device and immediately give them a treat. This positive reinforcement helps your puppy associate the clicker sound with good behavior, making them more likely to repeat it. Clicker training pairs well with verbal cues, which are helpful when you don’t have your clicker.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphasizes the importance of teaching a cue—like a clicker sound or a specific word—that signals a reward. “Leash training isn’t natural; it needs to be taught,” says the AKC. This method reinforces good behavior and makes training more engaging.

Purina suggests using high-value treats to reward your puppy for walking calmly. Start with short training sessions and gradually increase the duration as your puppy gets more comfortable.

Consistency is key. Regularly practice getting your puppy’s attention by saying their name and rewarding them when they look at you. This helps manage distractions and keep your puppy focused during walks (The Puppy Academy).

Practice your puppy’s skills in low-distraction environments first

Your puppy has very sensitive noses and ears. Plus they’re still learning about the world around them. Novelty is everywhere!

What does that mean for your loose-leash training? The busy park is not the place to start teaching a brand-new behavior. Your quiet living room, on the other hand, is perfect.

Keep distractions at a minimum until your dog shows you they understand what you’re asking—and can handle the mental exercise of paying attention. At that point, you can slowly increase the difficulty. Soon you’ll work up to more challenging environments.

Gradually Introducing Distractions

As your puppy becomes more comfortable with their collar, harness, and leash, it’s essential to gradually introduce distractions. This helps your puppy learn to focus on you, even when exciting sights, sounds, and smells are present.

Start practicing in low-distraction environments. Your quiet living room is ideal for teaching new behaviors. A busy park, filled with other dogs and people, isn’t the best starting point. As the experts at Sniffspot advise, “Keep distractions at a minimum until your dog shows you they understand what you’re asking—and can handle the mental exercise of paying attention” (Sniffspot, Puppy Walking Tips: Getting Started).

Once your puppy walks calmly on a loose leash in a controlled setting, slowly increase the difficulty. Introduce new environments and distractions. This might include walking in your backyard, then moving to a quieter street, and eventually to busier areas. Renting a Sniffspot offers a safe and controlled environment with novel stimuli for practice. The Puppy Academy recommends introducing “new environments and distractions, such as other dogs, people, or cars, in a gradual and controlled manner” (The Puppy Academy, How to Teach Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash!).

Remember, patience is key. Your puppy is still learning about the world. It’s important to ensure they feel secure and confident as they encounter new experiences. By gradually increasing distractions, you’ll help your puppy build the skills they need to walk politely on a leash, making walks enjoyable for both of you.

Change up the direction and places you walk in

This will prevent your puppy from losing focus or getting bored. More than that, though: Exploring different environments is important for your young dog’s socialization!

Socialization involves exposing your new puppy to a range of stimuli. When done well, socialization becomes supported exposure. You show your new dog you have their back as they investigate new places, sights, sounds, and experiences. This helps them learn that normal, everyday things that might scary—like the vacuum cleaner or sidewalk banners blowing in the wind—actually aren’t a big deal.

While it’s important not to push your puppy too far or expect perfection when there are distractions around, it’s easy to combine socialization outings and short leash training sessions into a single successful outing.

Some tips when taking your puppy somewhere new:

• Avoid uncomfortable environments, like asking your dog to walk on hot or sharp surfaces.
• Consult with your veterinarian about core vaccinations and preventative measures to keep your dog healthy as they grow.

Know that puppies often struggle to generalize behaviors

Dogs often struggle to generalize behaviors. This means they might be able to follow basic cues in a familiar environment—but still struggle to perform out and about. This is completely normal! Your dog just needs practice to understand that the picture of loose leash walking is the same in your neighborhood, a public park, your own yard… anywhere you go together.

This is important to note because it’s easy to feel frustrated when we think our dogs “should” know something but aren’t acting on it. In most cases, our pets aren’t purposely disobeying. They just haven’t fully generalized our cues yet!

Addressing Common Puppy Walking Challenges

Even with the best preparation, you’re likely to encounter a few bumps in the road as you teach your puppy to walk politely on leash. Here’s how to address some common challenges:

Pulling on the Leash

Pulling is a frequent frustration for new puppy owners. Your little dog moves fast! It’s easy for them to get ahead of you—and even start to think of the leash as one big tug toy. A few simple strategies can help redirect this behavior.

The "Be a Tree" Method

When your puppy pulls, stop walking immediately. Become a “tree.” Don’t yank or pull back on the leash. Just stand still. Wait for your puppy to return to you—or at least loosen the tension on the leash. As soon as they do, reward them with praise and a treat, then continue your walk. This teaches your puppy that pulling stops the fun. For more helpful tips, check out the American Kennel Club's leash training resources.

Troubleshooting Pulling

If the “be a tree” method isn’t working, consider a front-hook harness or head halter. These tools can give you more control over your puppy’s movements and gently discourage pulling. Learn more about these tools and other training tips on the AKC website.

Lunging and Barking

Puppies are naturally curious and sometimes reactive. Lunging and barking at other dogs, people, or objects is a common issue. Here's how to manage it:

Redirection Techniques

Learn to anticipate your puppy’s triggers. If you see something that usually causes a reaction, redirect their attention before they lunge or bark. Try using high-value treats or a favorite toy to lure them away. Increasing the distance between your puppy and the trigger can also help manage their reaction. The American Kennel Club offers helpful advice on this topic.

Distractions

The world is full of exciting smells and sounds! It’s no wonder puppies can be easily distracted on walks. These techniques can help:

The "Watch Me" Exercise

Practice getting your puppy’s attention by saying their name or using a specific cue like “Watch me.” When they look at you, reward them with a treat or praise. Regularly practicing this exercise will make it easier to regain their focus when distractions arise on walks. Purina's guide on puppy leash training offers more detail on this and other helpful exercises.

"Bubble Out" and "Sit" Techniques

When approaching other dogs or distractions, create space by luring your puppy away with treats, essentially creating a “bubble” around you as you pass. You can also ask your puppy to sit as the distraction goes by. This helps them learn to focus on you instead of reacting to the environment. Check out The Puppy Academy's tips for mastering walks with your puppy for more helpful advice.

How Much Exercise Does Your Puppy Need?Your dog’s age determines how much physical activity they can handle

Your dog will need the most exercise when they’re between about two and eight years old. This is the “prime” of their adult life—they’re fully developed but still young enough to maintain their stamina. It’s also a great time to make sure they stay at a healthy weight.

Puppy exercise needs

While young puppies need to use their bodies to develop muscle strength and coordination—not to mention get that all-important socialization to the world around them—you should err on the side of caution. Avoid intense or high impact activities before your new dog’s growth plates close. This can prevent long-term joint damage and reduce the risk of problems like hip dysplasia.

When do your puppy’s growth plates close? That depends on their breed. In general, smaller dogs reach physical maturity more quickly than larger breeds. Most canine companions are ready for increased exercise between one to two years of age. This doesn’t mean you can’t start leash training earlier! It just means you need to be cautious about not overdoing it.

The 5-Minute Rule

A good rule of thumb for exercising your puppy is the 5-minute rule. Aim for about five minutes of exercise for each month of age. So, a four-month-old puppy could handle about 20 minutes of exercise, while a six-month-old could handle about 30. Remember to stick to low-impact exercise to protect your pup’s joints. You can find more tips on getting started with puppy walking in this article.

While it’s great to give your puppy opportunities to socialize and explore the world, it’s important to be mindful of their developing bodies. As we mentioned in our article on how much exercise a puppy needs, avoid intense or high-impact activities before your dog’s growth plates close. This helps prevent long-term joint damage and reduce the risk of problems like hip dysplasia. Finding the right balance between exercise and rest is key for a happy, healthy pup!

Important Exercise Reminders

• Mental exercise is valuable too! Don’t get too focused on walking a certain distance. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Vary your amounts of exercise. Pay attention to whether or not your puppy seems too tired to keep going. Remember that excessive exercise, even if it’s in the context of a leash training session, does more harm than good.
• If your young dog is having a hard time settling, it’s okay to throw in an additional exercise session. Just be mindful of their joint health and other fulfillment opportunities, too.

Learn more about your puppy’s exercise requirements here.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

Explore spots near me

Understanding Your Puppy's Development

It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of bringing a new puppy home. They're bundles of energy, always ready for a play session. But before you dive headfirst into training, it's important to understand that puppies, much like human children, go through key developmental stages. These stages significantly impact their ability to learn and retain information. A puppy’s physical development often outpaces their mental maturity. At just eight weeks old, they might look ready to conquer the world, romping and playing with boundless enthusiasm. However, their brains are still works in progress, developing for the first couple of years (learn more about puppy development). This understanding is fundamental for setting realistic training expectations and fostering a positive learning experience for both you and your furry friend.

Puppy Maturity and Training Timeline

So, what does this mean for your training efforts? Patience is your biggest ally (read about the importance of patience). Recognize that your puppy isn't deliberately trying to be difficult; their brain simply isn't equipped to handle complex commands or lengthy training sessions right away. Just like a toddler learning to walk, puppies need time, consistency, and positive reinforcement to grasp new concepts. Remember the five-minute rule: aim for about five minutes of exercise per month of age (find out how much exercise your puppy needs). This includes training! Keep sessions short, sweet, and focused on one or two skills at a time. Celebrate small victories and avoid pushing your puppy too hard, too fast. Overexertion, both mentally and physically, can be detrimental to their development. Prioritize low-impact activities to protect their still-developing joints. As your puppy grows, you can gradually increase the duration and complexity of training sessions, always keeping their developmental stage in mind.

Learn More About Walking Your PuppyWhere to learn more about loose leash walking

Get in touch with a professional force free trainer

There’s nothing like personalized guidance when working on something new with your dog. A trainer will be able to give you in-the-moment advice. They’ll help you see things—like tiny handling mistakes or subconscious body language cues—it might be easy to miss otherwise.

Every year we put together a list of some of the United States’ best dog trainers to make it easier to find reputable, force-free professionals you can trust.

Check out our other dog training articles

The above article is specifically about tips for walking your young puppy. You can learn more about loose-leash walking in general in this guide!

We also have an entire Dog Training section on our blog that compiles various tips and tricks for a huge range of behaviors. Our Puppy Training 101 guide is a great place to start.

We’re cheering for you!

Find Dog-Friendly Places to Walk with Sniffspot

Looking for the perfect place to practice your puppy’s new leash walking skills? Sniffspot can help! We connect dog owners with safe, private dog parks near you. Many hosts even offer unique amenities, like dog water parks or agility courses.

Sniffspot is a great option for leash training because it offers a controlled environment for socialization. Remember how important socialization is for young puppies? Exploring different environments helps your dog learn and grow. A new Sniffspot can offer novel stimuli without the overwhelming distractions of a busy public park, giving your pup a chance to practice loose-leash walking in a safe space. Plus, changing up your walking locations keeps things interesting for both of you, as we discussed in our puppy walking tips!

Ready to find a new spot for your next walk? Check out our dog park listings and start exploring!

Trainer Review of this Article

There is so much misinformation out there, and we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers.

These are the trainers that reviewed this article:

Marnie Montgomery
PMCT4, CPDT-KA
Tellington TTouch Practitioner
Fear-Free Certified Professional

Related Articles

• Leash Training: The Ultimate Guide for Stress-Free Walks
• Leash Training 101: Simple Steps for Happy Walks
• Leash Training 101: Easy Steps for Stress-Free Walks
• How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Explore spots

Frequently Asked Questions

My puppy pulls on the leash constantly. What can I do? Pulling is a common puppy problem! Try the "be a tree" method: when your puppy pulls, stop dead in your tracks. Don't pull back, just wait for them to loosen the leash or come back to you. Then reward them and continue. If that doesn't work, a front-clip harness or head halter might help. You can also work with a trainer for personalized guidance.

How long should I walk my puppy for? A good rule of thumb is five minutes of exercise for each month of age. So, a four-month-old puppy could handle a 20-minute walk. Remember, this includes playtime and training, not just walking. Prioritize low-impact exercise to protect their developing joints. Always pay attention to your puppy's cues; if they seem tired, it's time to head home.

What equipment do I need to start leash training my puppy? A comfortable, well-fitted Y-shaped harness is a great choice for puppies, as it avoids pressure on their delicate trachea. Pair it with a standard 4-6 foot leash (avoid retractable leashes). High-value treats will be your best friend for rewarding good behavior. And don't forget the most important tool: patience!

My puppy gets distracted on walks and ignores my cues. How can I get their attention? Practice the "watch me" game at home and on walks. Say your puppy's name or use a cue like "watch me," and reward them when they make eye contact. When you encounter distractions on walks, try creating space or asking your puppy to sit while the distraction passes.

Where can I practice leash training with my puppy? Start indoors in a quiet, familiar environment. Once your puppy is comfortable, gradually introduce new locations and distractions. Your backyard is a good next step, followed by quieter streets and eventually busier areas. A safely enclosed space like a Sniffspot can be a great option for practicing in a novel environment without overwhelming distractions.