Walking a Puppy

[Jenny & Henry]

I leash Henry on his potty breaks, and then he gets free time from the leash when we go to the other side of the yard for playtime.  He is used to the leash now and don't fight it but yesterday I tried to walk him like 40 feet around my sidewalk and he didn't know what was going on and I didn't want to pull on him.  When are they able to start walking on a leash to actually take a short walk?

[Adina P]

I don't think you can judge at 10 weeks.  MOST dogs will end up pulling eventually unless taught otherwise.  Dogs don't think of it as pulling they think of it as getting to where they want to go and tolerating the tight leash/collar is just not a big deal.  If anything the reverse pulling they get from the leash only encourages MORE pulling because of their 'oppositional reflex'.

[Jenny & Henry]

So, with a puppy when they are pulling like that should you just stop to he calms down.  Henry tends to have a burst where he'll pull (definitely trying to get there faster) and then stops and just trots along.  So, when he does the pulling I am wondering what I should do?

[Adina P]

Since he's so young I would actually try to react before he reaches the end of the leash and give him some verbal cue then turn and walk the other way so he doesn't get a chance to pull and starts to look to see where YOU are going.  Then sign up for an obedience class to learn loose leash walking and heeling.  Most of the work now is engaging him and keeping him interested in following you...but in a little bit he'll be ready for more serious training.

[Jenny & Henry]

Thanks, I am gonna try that.  We actually are looking into training classes now.  I am excited to get him started and see how he does.