Teaching Your Puppy “Follow-the-Leader” Skills and Leash Etiquette

34.At this point it isn’t important for your puppy to walk directly at the HEEL position. It is more important for her to learn to happily accept walking on a leash somewhere near you.This means no excessive pulling or dragging behind.

35.Begin by calling your puppy’s name and saying,“Let’s go!”Pat your leg,encourage your puppy with your voice,and praise her for following. 

36.When your puppy becomes distracted, gently tug on the leash, saying “No,” then say “Here!”When she responds,looks at you, and follows you, praise her heartily! 

37.If your puppy is a puller, turn away from her to get her attention.You may have to make several turns in each session to teach her to stay by your side. Do not expect her to hold a true HEEL at this time in her life. Just concentrate on having her learn to look for you.

If your puppy bites at the leash when you walk, give her a toy to carry on the walk. This will avoid a “tug-of-war” situation. You can also spray a bitters spray on the leash before each walk to discourage her from putting the leash in her mouth.