Leash Training 101 for Your New Golden Retriever Puppy

Importance of Leash Training

One of the first things you will want to do with your new puppy is to go for a walk with them. However, before you and your dog can enjoy a walk together, some foundational leash training is needed. Leashing isn’t just for walking either; many situations necessitate that your dog is securely leashed. The leash is a proactive tool and a physical way to communicate and direct your puppy. Here are some steps that reduce frustration and increase constructive leash training.

Leash Training Steps

1. Introduce your puppy to a collar and leash gradually. A puppy can begin leash training at around eight weeks old. There are differences of opinion about collars used for leash training. We strongly recommended using a slip-leash. A shorter 4 ft or standard 6 ft leash works well. Avoid retractable leashes when training; they are confusing. Clip on the leash for short periods of time (5 minutes). Allow your dog to adjust to the leash in a relaxed environment. This reinforces the physical connection the leash establishes. The dog should associate the leash more with your presence and less with restraint.
2. Start with small steps in one direction. Keep your pace steady-walk normally. Your dog should recognize that when you walk, they walk. Traditionally, dogs are walked on your left side. Control the leash length with your left hand and take up extra slack in your right hand. Use clear instructions with the key command. “Let’s walk Brad.” Some dog trainers will keep a treat enclosed in their right hand and give this reward after several paces are walked. Make sure that treats are offered with specific verbal praise. “Good walk Brad.” Often, leash training is combined with sit training. When you stop walking, it is a great opportunity to practice the sit command.
3. Pay attention to the slack in the leash. A J-shape in the leash indicates an appropriate space and pace. A taut or tight leash indicates that the dog is ignoring you. In this case, reverse directions. Do a 180 and walk the other way. If the dog is pulling intermittently, stop and hold your position. Don’t continue until the pressure relaxes and the dog is no longer straining. Practice directional changes and increase distance. Small loops and basic rectangles make for good directional practice. Decide how far or how many paces you will walk before reinforcing and praising.  Walking sessions should not last more than 10-15 minutes.

Leash Training: Final Considerations

Remember, patience and consistency are keys to successful leash training. Set realistic expectations and use your dog’s behavioral feedback to adjust and tune your training. Solicit advice from other experienced owners/trainers. When you finally take your dog for a long leash walk, enjoy the connection and satisfaction of a loose leash and happy pup. Windy Knoll Goldens has years of leash training experience. Please reach out with training questions; we love to help set your dog on the path to sucess.