Quick Answer: Start leash training from your very first walk. A puppy who never experiences pulling working becomes an adult who doesn't pull — you're building the habit from zero, not breaking one. Use a puppy harness from day one, and use the stop-and-wait method every single step of every single walk. Consistency for the first 4-6 weeks builds lifetime loose-leash habits.
Why Puppies Are Easier Than Adults
A puppy hasn't built years of pulling muscle memory and pulling reward history. Every walk is a clean slate. The stop-and-wait method teaches the rule before the habit forms: pulling stops the walk, loose leash continues it. Learn this rule for 4-6 weeks and most puppies generalize it as their natural way of walking.
The Stop-and-Wait Method for Puppies
- Leash tightens → stop immediately, freeze
- Wait for the puppy to look back at you or take a step back to create slack
- The instant the leash goes slack — 'yes' and move forward
- Repeat every single time, every walk, from day one
Recommended Products
Puppy Harness for lightweight front-clip support. Reflective Leash. See all Walking Essentials.
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