Did you just welcome a cute, little puppy to your family? You must be looking forward to playing with it, feeding it, taking it on walks, and more. The first reason is that dogs have to go out for their business as they can’t just use the toilet like humans. Other than this, regular walking and playing outside keeps your dog cheerful and gives it an outlet for its energy.

Now, if you want these walks to be safe, it is vital to put a collar and then leash your dog. It seems like a basic task but you have to gain your dog’s trust and put the leash in the correct way. Maybe you bought a nice braided leather collar and leash but your dog is not allowing you to put it on. In this post, we’ll guide you on how to put a leash on your beloved dog.

A Guide to Put a Leash on Your Dog Correctly

Sometimes, dogs get scared and don’t allow you to leash them. They will try to run away or try to bite your hand when you try to put on a leash. The right way is to gradually introduce a leash through classical conditioning and gain its trust. Next, we’ll help you with leashing your dog comfortably.

Purchase the Right Leash

First of all, your priority should be purchasing the perfect leash for your dog based on its breed, size, and behavior. Nylon or leather dog leashes around 4 to 6 feet long are the most common ones you’ll find. Leather is durable and classy while nylon is easy to clean and maintain. When you are training your puppy, you can use a short leash to keep it under control.

Get Your Dog Ready & Approach It Gently

When trying to leash your dog for the first time, make sure to create a calm environment so that it doesn’t get scared. Choose an indoor spot or home’s yard where there are no distractions. If your dog is hyper, stroke gently to calm it down before you put the leash on.

Make sure to be confident and calm when leashing your dog. Allow your dog to sniff the leash first so that it’s comfortable and then proceed further.

Slip the Leash & Attach It Securely to the Collar

First, make sure the collar is fitting your dog perfectly and is not too tight or loose. Check if you can fit two fingers inside the collar as it shows that the collar is put on correctly. Next, slowly take the leash near the collar and attach its clip to the collar’s metal ring.

Make sure it is fastened properly so that it does not come out if the dog pulls it while walking. Always double check if the leash is secured in position.

Practice Walking With Your Dog

Once the leash is put on correctly, start walking and encourage your dog to move with you. First, walk in your backyard or take short walks near your house as dogs take time getting accustomed to a braided leather leash.

When the dog walks calmly alongside you, praise it and give treats so that it knows he’s doing the correct thing. This will encourage your dog to follow this routine and make it a habit to walk with a leash on.

Correct If Your Dog Pulls the Leash

When dogs get excited or sniff something new, they will pull on the leash and try to run fast. Correct this behavior by firmly saying ‘no’ and gently tug the leash back. Stop moving until your dog stops pulling and comes back alongside you.

Always remember to praise your dog when he walks calmly without pulling on its leash. With time and consistency, you’ll correct the leash pulling behavior.

Ensure Proper Safety At All Times

It is vital to be alert and safe when walking your dog near main roads or any areas that have other animals and people. Durable leather dog leashes of the right length ensure that your dog doesn’t wander too far away from you.

Always be aware of your surroundings and any potential safety hazards. Also, don’t use retractable leashes in busy areas as your dog can suddenly dart ahead.

Practice Frequently To Make Your Dog Comfortable

At first, especially during the puppy stage, dogs find it awkward walking with a leash on. You’ll need lots of practice and patience to get your dog used to leash walking.

Start with short routes and gradually increase the time and distance of your walks. Also, make sure to reward and treat your dog for walking calmly on the leash so it knows that he is doing the right thing.

Conclusion

In a perfect world, dogs would be allowed to roam freely without any collars or leashes. However, traffic, other animals, and many other hazards prevent this in real life. After you buy a high-quality nylon or leather dog leash, it is essential to get your puppy comfortable with it.

By following the above-mentioned tips, you can put a leash on your dog in the safe and correct manner. Always leash your dog on walks to ensure the safety of your furry friend and walk as close as possible to it, until it grows into an adult dog and is properly trained.