How to Teach a Puppy to Walk?

Surely, no one ever thinks they’re walking their dog poorly. Walking a dog properly is very easy if you know how to do it; otherwise, you may encounter problems like pulling, lunging, and tension on the leash, which can turn the walk into a disaster.

The most important thing is to teach your dog to walk beside you, whether it’s an adult or a puppy. Dogs just walk and don’t know whether they’re doing it well or not, so it’s the owner’s responsibility to show them how it’s done. Most behavioral problems with pets arise due to poor communication between the owner and the dog.

If your pet is still a puppy, it’s a good idea to vaccinate them before going outside and get them used to wearing a collar all day without making it a problem. Puppies grow quickly, so make sure the collar doesn’t become too tight. The best way to check is by sliding two fingers between the puppy’s neck and the collar.

Releasing Your Pet’s Energy

When a puppy first goes outside, the first thing they do is play, run, greet other dogs, pee, etc. This is normal, as they are full of energy and excitement when heading out for a walk. It’s recommended to let your dog release all this energy before beginning any leash training so that they are more eager to learn and obedient. Don’t forget that as the owner, you are responsible for carrying plastic bags to pick up your dog’s waste and keep the environment clean.

Choosing the Right Training Spot

The place where you train your dog is crucial. It should be a quiet area with few distractions. If you take them to a park where children are playing, shouting, or kicking a ball, they won’t learn anything because they’ll be too distracted. Once your dog has basic training, they can visit new places. A good option is a quiet park or a small country road with few people.

The owner’s preparation also matters. It’s useless if the dog has burned off all its energy, but the owner is tense. People can indirectly transfer their problems to their pets. A tense owner will transmit negative energy to their dog. To train effectively, it’s important to be eager to teach and take your time. Consistency will make the walk enjoyable and improve the bond between you and your dog.

A puppy should get used to wearing a collar, so the next step is attaching a leash. At first, use a short leash for walking. Retractable leashes are not useful. Once the dog is leashed, you can begin training.

Starting the Walk…

Consistency is key in dog training, including choosing which side your dog will walk on. Aim for a moderate pace, not too fast or too slow. The leash should be loose, hanging between you and the dog. If the puppy starts walking ahead and pulling on the leash, stop immediately. Repeat this action daily until it’s clear to the puppy which side they should walk on.

If the dog ignores the owner and keeps pulling, turn 180 degrees and walk in the opposite direction instead of standing still and waiting for the leash to slacken. Repeat this step as many times as needed until the dog obeys and turns with the owner.



If the puppy pulls hard on the leash and ignores commands, bring a reward, such as a piece of sausage or a treat, to encourage them to walk beside you. It’s important to talk to your dog, as they understand tone of voice. Use positive phrases when they do something right, but speak in a firm tone when they misbehave, such as barking at passersby or growling at other dogs.

How Long Should You Spend Training a Puppy?

Keep in mind that you won’t teach your dog to walk properly in just one month. Progress can be made, but patience is key, as the steps outlined above must be repeated daily over a significant period of time. Some dogs learn to walk in a month, while others take six months, but the important thing is to enjoy the process rather than focus on the time it takes.

Once your dog learns to walk well, it’s time to walk with friends who also have puppies so your dog can learn that they can walk and play together. Initially, some dogs may bark at others while walking. This behavior usually stems from a lack of exercise.

Practical Tips:

• Don’t start training with a highly energetic dog, as it won’t be productive.
• Avoid training your dog on very hot days, as the animal will likely ignore you.
• Don’t use choke collars or anti-pull leashes, as they make walks feel like punishment. All dogs can learn to walk with a regular collar and medium-sized leash.
• The owner’s mental state is very important.
• If your dog is overly stressed, calm them naturally before starting any training.
• Training your dog to walk properly is something only the owner or a trainer can do.
• The key factors are patience and persistence. If the situation is difficult, it’s best to consult a professional trainer.