how to walk a puppy for the first time

As my current dog was 8 months old when we got her. Someone should be at home with the puppy almost all of the time during their first week with you. Take things very slowly, always at the pup’s pace. Start with shorter walks and then build up as your puppy gets used to walking outside. Walking your puppy in areas frequented by other dogs can expose him to some viruses and parasites that are potentially fatal, including parvo. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Be sure that the first walk is in a quiet area at a time of the day that is not too busy (for example, with school kids rushing home). Wait until she has had all of her vaccinations. Keep track of time when you take your puppy out for a walk. A long walk may cause distress and a puppy will quickly become over-tired. There’s a lot for your pup to take in, so I always suggest keeping the first walk short – around five to ten minutes. When he turns to … Avoid using slip collars, choke chains or prong collars on your puppy. The first walk will likely only last a few minutes; short and sweet is the key to success. I live in an apartment with my Shih Tzu puppy, but I cannot take him for walks because poop is not allowed there. Practice Obedience Training. See if you can fit two fingers between the collar and your puppy's neck — if you can't, the collar is too tight. Mixed-breed dogs are absolutely wonderful and extremely underrated. This article has been viewed 52,218 times. If you are having trouble choosing, speak with your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer. Once well tolerated, do the same thing in the garden so they can be used to wearing the lead outside. Then, they are ready to explore the world. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The first lessons you do with your puppy should be “Tell and Show.” Say a command while you do the commanded action. A basic lead is best for teaching your dog to walk nicely next to you. Once puppy is vaccinated, start by going on short walks and try to avoid rough or hot pavement. The leash will no longer have any resistance and the game will not be fun anymore. However, it is very tiring and you must maintain good control of him. Train your puppies in your home, until they are ready to go out. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make the experience less stressful. Plus, walking your puppy is good for their health through adulthood. Can I take my two-month-old puppy for a walk? If the dog is looking at you, they can't be looking at something they shouldn't be, so you can use this when you're passing something you want them to ignore. A new pet is always a cause for celebration and a perfect excuse to play and have fun. You may adopt a puppy at any age. A comfy bed; Food bowl; Water bowl; A lead. Before walking your puppy, the first step is to attach the lead to their collar. While most of us are keen to take our precious pooch out into the great outdoors and show them off to the world straight away, it’s important to get things right from the start. The best advice I was given for walking a puppy off the lead for the first time. Teaching your puppy to make eye contact on command can be very helpful during walks. David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Your puppy will find all of his new surroundings stimulating. Look for an adjustable nylon or leather collar. The collar should not be too tight or too loose. Last Updated: January 1, 2020 For more information about vaccinations >, The Healthy Pet Club is part of CVS UK Ltd. First, teach them that the lead or harness is a good thing. The puppies are trying to walk for the first time! By taking the right precautions, you can ensure that your pup stays happy and healthy while not putting the vital puppy socialisation time at risk. He will begin to stay there because he knows treats are at your side. Do several ‘practice’ walks in the garden, lavishing your little one with lots of encouragement. They do not need a whole lot of exercise during their first few weeks at home. Your puppy will not enjoy chewing on it as much. Give your dog the “sit” command, followed by the “stay” command, and then remove his lead. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. The exact collar you choose will depend on what type of dog you have. If your puppy won't stop pulling, you may start walking with a head halter or a front-hook harness. To leash train a puppy, give your puppy lots of treats the first time you put a collar and leash on it. If you’re asking your dog to go outside, don’t stare at your puppy and repeat yourself: He has no idea what “Outside” means! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Time how long it takes for your puppy to stop noticing the collar. Your puppy has to learn to be independent. You can't stop other dogs from barking at your dog, but you can teach your dog to ignore it. This is particularly true for large breed dogs. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Taking your pup for their first walk is a big moment for both dog and owner, so my first piece of advice is to take things steady, remain relaxed and keep a careful eye on your pup at all times. Parks can pose quite a few risks to young pups. Introduce this in your dog’s mind early on by using a collar at a young age. GET NEW MERCH HERE: https://www.crystalwolf.co/collections/escape-the-night SUBSCRIBE! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Dogs who don’t get enough walks often become frustrated and bored and may even develop behavioural issues within the home. It is essential that you allow your pup to walk at their own pace. How old should a puppy be to be sold/adopted? Taking your puppy for their first walk. When Can I Take My Puppy for a Walk? You can reward your puppy's good behavior with praise and/or a treat. Over-exercising can be damaging to developing joints during the first year of life. My puppy will also be a service dog, so this is key info. Use a front clip harness instead of flat collar or back clip harness, you will have more control of your puppy. Your puppy’s first lead should be comfortable to handle and relatively short. A puppy should be sold at at least 2 months. HPC@cvsvets.com                  01379 658425. Check with your vet though, different vaccines may have different instructions. We want our pet to become the perfect company, but the enormous responsibility that an animal implies and all the care it will require must be left clear beforehand. Common illnesses associated with older dogs, Dental disease – the risk of not taking care of your dog’s teeth, How to brush your dog’s teeth and why you should do it, How to train your dog to do the perfect recall, Keep your dog safe from heartworm disease, Learn how to check for and remove ticks from your dog, Simple health checks you can do with your dog at home, Taking your puppy out for their first walk, Train your dog to walk perfectly on a lead, What to do if someone pets your dog without permission, What to do if a loose dog approaches you on a walk, Follow this link for more information about how to get your dog to walk beautifully on a lead >, For more information about vaccinations >. This article was co-authored by David Levin. For the first walk in particular, you really can’t give enough treats and praise. Heap lots of praise on the pup when they put it on and perhaps rewarding them with a yummy treat or two. If you want your dog to walk right next to you, teach it solid eye contact on command. For advice from our Veterinary co-author on how to keep your puppy from chewing on its leash, read on! Then, take it on short, slow walks outside and allow it to explore its new surroundings. This allows the dog to understand that walks are something to look forward to. Put a leash and collar on the dog. Attach a lead to their collar and follow your dog around the garden, making sure the lead is kept slack. You may find that the pup is straining on the lead or walking in between your legs. If possible, consider adopting a dog first. Things to get for your new dog or puppy before you bring them home. Leash-Training Troubleshooting. You want to be able to control your puppy at all times. 1. Most agree that a couple of walks a day is a good habit to get in to. Choose a collar. Yes, you may. Follow this link for more information about how to get your dog to walk beautifully on a lead >. Then attach the leash again. 3. Those first few hours by themselves is going to be a learning experience for both of you. You can also let it run around inside with the leash on for a little bit so it gets used to it. However, with that comes a great deal of responsibility as all animals need care and attention.Cleanliness is, of course, a basic requirement and many new owners might wonder how and when to bathe a puppy for the first time… Rather than clipping a lead onto their collar and walking out the door, we should prepare our young pets with a little groundwork. Start with basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel,” and “down,” and make sure everyone doing the training is consistent, using the same words and gestures. Place the collar around the dog’s neck and say “let’s walk” with the leash in full view. This is only to be expected at first. Once you reach 6 or 7 steps in a row, you are really walking your puppy on a leash. For many dog owners, time spent walking is one of their favourite ways to bond with their pet. Being on a lead is another sensation your dog or puppy will need to get used to gradually, but when they do, there will be so much more of the world to explore! In most cases, you can start putting your puppy on the ground in public one week after her final shots. Your local animal shelters and pet rescue groups have adorable mixed-breed puppies just waiting for homes. Not yet. Have your puppy wear the collar until he stops noticing it. This is because they usually contain long grass, bodies of water and plenty of other animals. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. However, regularly walking your puppy to the point of exhaustion isn't sensible and can cause skeletal damage to growing youngsters. SolStock / Getty Images. Be sure that the first walk is in a quiet area at a time of the day that is not too busy (for example, with school kids rushing home). Start With a Short, Planned Walk. As well as a sturdy lead that provides plenty of control (avoid extendable or ‘flexi’ leads initially), owners should bring along lots of treats and a few poo bags. What can I do? At about 4 months after your puppy’s vaccinations, your doggie walks should be about 20 minutes long, twice a day and you can increase it by 5 minutes every month as they grow older. Initially, leave it on for a few seconds. "This helped me a ton! Can I take my two and a half month old golden retriever for a walk? Although protocols vary, a puppy is usually fully vaccinated against a variety of serious diseases by 20 weeks. Long leashes or retractable varieties should be introduced at a later stage when you and your dog are comfortable walking together. Benefits received under the HPC loyalty scheme include: initial vaccination (including Kennel Cough), year’s flea and worming medication, microchip, 20% off neutering, 20% off selected lifetime medication, 10% off products & services, 20% off wellness test and unlimited nail clipping. When you think of leash training your puppy it really comes down to steps leading to your puppy being okay on leash whether in the house or outside on a walk. If your dog starts paying attention to other dogs, guide him away, and offer a treat to return his focus to you. There are 21 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Once your puppy has had their final vaccination, they will be fully protected from the diseases covered by vaccinating one week later. Typical vaccinations include the distemper/parvo (DHHP) and rabies. © 2020 - All Rights Reserved - The Healthy Pet Club. This is what you have been waiting for, taking him on outings and showing him the big wide world. This will help you handle bathtime safely and comfortably. Many dog breeders suggest the ‘five minute rule’. Use a chain leash instead of a fabric leash. Brachycephalic dogs (pug, bulldog or boxer) and older dogs could suffer a heat stroke if the walk is too long. By the time your dog is ready to go out on walks, between months 3 and 6, it’s also a good window to start obedience training. If your puppy tends to lunge at certain things, distract him before he has the chance to lunge. If you tug against your puppy, he may start to think it is a game. When your puppy is out on a walk, that’s when they’re doing their potty training too. References. While it may seem like the most natural thing in the world, not every puppy will automatically understand how to go on a walk. When blocking her, simply place your leg in front of her. Walks should be seen as a time to safely sniff and explore, rather than simply getting from A to B quickly. Always monitor your puppy when you are introducing him to a collar. You may need to do this before you teach your puppy to start and stop with you. Take things very slowly, always at the pup’s pace. Before you let him go, remind him of the commands, walk on a short distance, and then allow him to go and explore. Give your puppy a treat at your side when he is compliant. When your puppy begins to chew on the leash, release it and guide him with the other leash. Your puppy needs to associate the leash with play time and fun. Due to this, it is essential that our pups are fully vaccinated and up to date with their parasite prevention before entering. Lessons for the first month You should walk them for at least five minutes per month of their age, or at least twice a day. This teaches your puppy to start and stop when you stop and that you are in control. Your other option is to take the dog for walks outside of the apartment complex property (you will still need to pick up its poop). Again, remain calm and allow your pup to get used to the sights and sounds of passing traffic. Instead, say “Outside” as you walk and guide him to the door. You could try to train him to use a litter box, but the most obvious solution is to simply pick up the poop after your dog goes to the bathroom outside. ", http://www.raisingspot.com/training/leash-training-puppy, http://www.raisingspot.com/adopting/puppy-collar-and-leash, http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/dog-behavior/choosing-a-dog-collar.html, https://www.purina.co.uk/dogs/behaviour-and-training/training-your-dog/walking-on-a-lead, http://www.akc.org/learn/akc-training/best-collars-leashes-for-dogs/, http://www.akc.org/learn/family-dog/teach-puppy-walk-leash/, http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/how-to-leash-train-your-active-puppy/, http://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/1530-dog-training-walking-on-leash-dunbar, https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/my-puppy-wont-walk-on-leash-3-ways-to-train-your-puppy-to-love-her-leash/, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/puppies-and-dogs/behaviour, http://www.sbhumanesociety.org/services/overview-of-clinic-services/, http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-much-exercise-is-too-much-for-a-puppy?page=2, http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/general-advice-about-caring-for-your-new-puppy-or-dog/puppy-and-dog-walking/, http://petcha.com/pet_care/how-to-walk-a-puppy/, http://www.akc.org/learn/akc-training/tips-for-walking-your-distracted-dog/, http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/3-common-leash-problems-solved-pulling-mouthing-lunging, http://www.perfectpaws.com/leash.html#.V2L8kbsrLIU, http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-training-article-training-your-dog-not-to-pull-on-the-leash.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Take the collar off once the puppy feels comfortable. This will provide a greater incentive. * Sample savings based on average prices charged across a sample of 25 practices. When your puppy is not distracted by his collar, it is time to move on to leash training. In fact, for some, it can be a strange and scary experience that leaves them feeling uncertain and anxious. The next day, leave the collar on for a little bit longer. Spend plenty of time with your puppy, bonding with him and getting him used to you. CVS House, Owen Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4ER - Company No 3777473 If your puppy pulls in the opposite direction, stand still until it comes back to you, then offer it a treat. Planning your walk out in advance will help you test your puppy’s socialization skills and how he handles being outside. Here are some tips that can help prevent issues when you leave your pup alone. Puppies grow quickly. Make sure to give it treats and lots of praise so your puppy associates the leash with positive things. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Start-Walking-Your-Puppy-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-Walking-Your-Puppy-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Start-Walking-Your-Puppy-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid405879-v4-728px-Start-Walking-Your-Puppy-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"