When to Start Leash Training Your Puppy

by | Albany Dog Trainer

When to Start Leash Training Your Puppy

Many new puppy owners wait until their puppy has completed vaccinations to think about leash training.

But here’s the truth:

Leash training starts long before the first outdoor walk.

In fact, the earlier you begin introducing leash skills, the easier everything becomes later.

Leash walking is not just about movement.
It’s about attention, connection, and communication.

And those skills can begin the day your puppy comes home.

Start Before the First Walk

Most puppies come home between 8–10 weeks old. At this age, they may not be fully vaccinated yet, but that doesn’t mean leash training should wait.

You can safely begin:

  • Indoors

  • In your backyard (if safe and clean)

  • On quiet private property

Early leash exposure prevents fear, resistance, and pulling habits from developing.

The goal at this stage is not distance.

It’s comfort and familiarity.

Step 1: Introduce the Collar or Harness Properly

Before you even attach a leash, your puppy needs to feel comfortable wearing equipment.

Collar vs Harness — What’s Best?

Both can work well.

  • Flat collar: Simple and lightweight, ideal for ID tags.

  • Front-clip harness: Often helpful for preventing pulling later.

  • Back-clip harness: Comfortable, but can encourage pulling if not trained carefully.

For most young puppies, a lightweight harness is often easier on their neck and throat.

Whatever you choose, the introduction matters more than the tool.

How to Introduce Equipment Positively

Don’t just put it on and leave it.

Instead:

  1. Show the collar or harness.

  2. Let your puppy sniff it.

  3. Mark (yes!) and reward curiosity.

  4. Gently put it on.

  5. Immediately reward again.

  6. Keep sessions short and upbeat.

The goal is simple:

Equipment = Good things happen.

If your puppy scratches or freezes, stay calm. Distract with play or treats rather than removing it immediately. Most puppies adjust quickly when they associate it with rewards.

Step 2: Introduce the Leash Indoors

Once your puppy is comfortable wearing their gear, attach the leash inside.

At first:

  • Let them drag it for short periods (supervised).

  • Keep sessions brief.

  • Reward calm behavior.

You’re teaching them that leash pressure is not scary.

Avoid tightening or guiding too much in the beginning. Let the leash simply exist.

This prevents the common “alligator roll” or frantic biting response many puppies show when first feeling leash tension.

Step 3: Build Engagement Before Movement

Here’s where many people go wrong:

They focus on walking forward too quickly.

But leash walking is not about walking.
It’s about following.

Before asking your puppy to walk beside you, teach them that paying attention to you is rewarding.

Practice:

  • Say your puppy’s name → mark and reward eye contact.

  • Take one step backward → reward when they follow.

  • Move around the room → reward when they stay near you.

You’re building the habit of choosing you.

When engagement exists, pulling decreases naturally.

Why Puppies Pull Later

Puppies don’t pull to be dominant.

They pull because:

  • The world is exciting.

  • Forward movement is rewarding.

  • They have not learned impulse control.

  • We accidentally reinforce pulling by continuing to walk.

If every time your puppy pulls forward and you keep moving, you’ve just rewarded the pulling.

Early leash training prevents this pattern before it becomes a habit.

Keep Sessions Short

Young puppies have short attention spans.

Aim for:

  • 3–5 minute sessions

  • Multiple times per day

  • High reinforcement

  • Calm tone

End while your puppy is still successful.

Short and positive beats long and frustrating.

What Success Looks Like at This Stage

At 8–12 weeks, success does NOT mean:

  • Perfect heel position

  • Long structured walks

  • Zero distractions

Success looks like:

  • Puppy comfortable wearing equipment

  • Puppy not panicking at leash tension

  • Puppy choosing to follow indoors

  • Puppy checking in naturally

These are foundations.

And foundations determine everything that follows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting Too Long

If you wait until 16 weeks to introduce a leash, the novelty alone can create resistance.

2. Dragging or Forcing

Pulling a hesitant puppy forward builds fear, not skill.

3. Starting in High-Distraction Environments

The park is not step one.

4. Expecting Adult Behavior

Your puppy is learning. Keep expectations realistic.

Make It Fun

Leash training at this age should feel like a game.

Use:

  • Cheerful voice

  • Tiny, high-value treats

  • Movement and play

  • Encouragement

If frustration rises — take a break.

Confidence grows through positive repetition.

The Long-Term Vision

The way you introduce leash training now shapes your dog’s behavior for years.

A puppy who learns:

  • Leash pressure is neutral

  • Following is rewarding

  • Attention pays

  • Calmness works

is far more likely to grow into a dog who walks politely and confidently.

And that begins inside your living room.

The Bottom Line

Start leash training the day your puppy comes home.

Focus on:

  • Positive equipment introduction

  • Comfort with leash presence

  • Building engagement

  • Short, rewarding sessions

Don’t rush distance.

Build connection first.

When engagement leads, loose leash walking becomes a natural extension — not a battle.