Why does my puppy sit down when I try to take him for a walk?

This is a very common question among new puppy owners. Puppies do this for a number of reasons; however, as pet owners, the most common cause for this behavior is our own fault. In most cases, when you bring home a new puppy, your immediate thought is to put a dog collar on him and take him for a walk or to the local pet store. This behavior is understandable because, after all, puppies are so cute and we want to show them off. By following a few simple guidelines, you can teach your puppy to walk nicely on a leash and keep him consistently moving on your walks.

Purchasing a dog collar is one of the first things to do for your new puppy. You should have his collar before picking him up from the breeder. Try to keep in mind that your puppy is going through a lot of changes so you should not put it on him right away. It is best to give him some me to get used to the collar. Show it to him and drape it across his neck while giving him some very small, healthy treats. This activity should be done several times before actually putting the collar on him. When you put the collar on him for the first time, give him a small treat and then immediately remove the collar. Gradually increase the time you leave the collar on and within a day or two he will look forward to putting on the collar.

Once he is used to wearing his dog collar, the next step is to get him used to his leash. Attaching it to his collar and letting him drag it around can accomplish this. If the leash is too overwhelming for him, a shorter and smaller leash or a piece of string can be used. Your puppy should always be supervised while this is being done. Once he’s used to the shorter leash, you can then gradually increase the length.

While the leash is attached to your puppy’s collar, you’ll want to start getting him used to following you. Always carry some small treats with you and give him one when he is on your left side near your leg. You may have to lure him in position at first, but he will quickly learn that good things happen when he is near your left leg while he has on his leash. It is a good idea to slowly fade out the treats once he gets the idea. This can be done by alternating between treats and praise or petting.

This procedure will take time and commitment on your part, but the end result will be a happily trained puppy and eventually an adult dog that will walk nicely for you on a leash.

In closing, please remember that by allowing your new puppy the time to get adjusted to his new home as well as his dog collar and leash, you will both be thankful for the bond you start building during his first few days at home.