by Chelsea Padget

Created on: December 20, 2011   Last Updated: December 25, 2011

Leash training your puppy or older dog is one of the most important things you can do for the safety of your pet. A leash is effective for keeping your dog right by your side whenever he is outside with you. Leash training allows you and your pet to take walks while being safe at the same time. 

Leash training should be done as soon as your puppy can walk or about eight weeks of age. The quickest way to leash train your puppy is through consistency. If you are consistent in your training, your puppy will become leash trained in no time. Here are some ways you can use to teach your puppy or older dog the quickest way to walk on a leash: 

Be consistent:

Without consistency, your puppy or older dog will become confused, not knowing what you want of him. Consistency will get your dog leash trained the quickest way and provide safety for your dog whenever he is on the leash. If you are inconsistent just one time, your dog will remember this and try to fight the leash again.

Use of treats: 

Whenever your dog obeys you, you should give him a special treat (one that he doesn't get at other times). Cut up hot dogs or small doggy treats work well for leash training your dog. Dogs who are trained using treats tend to learn faster than dogs who are trained without the use of treats. So, every time your dog walks on the leash without pulling, give him a treat. Remember consistency with the use of treats.

Introduce the collar:

The collar is the first thing you want to put on your puppy or dog when you bring him home. It shouldn't take long for your puppy to get used to having something around his neck, but he may protest at first. Don't take the collar off, especially when your dog is also trying to get it off. If you want to take the collar off of your dog, wait until your dog is napping or sleeping. Collars are there for the safety of your dog...as are leashes.

You should not use a choke chain or prong collar to train your dog. These collars can cause injury to your dog and make leash training unpleasant and even dangerous. A soft collar that buckles securely is the best collar to use on your dog. The leash should also be soft with a secure clasp that hooks onto the collar securely.

Introduce the leash:

Attach the leash to the collar and let your dog run around the house while dragging the leash behind. This will let him know that the leash isn't going to hurt him. This will also help him if you ever accidentally drop your end of the leash, he won't startle

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