First Steps to Freedom: Part 1 How to Get Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash

AJ Dekker
Oct 29, 2025
3 min read

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Introducing your puppy to the leash is the first step toward creating a reliable, well-mannered companion. If done correctly, your puppy will see the leash as a signal for good things—like exploration and high-value rewards. If done poorly, they may resist, pull, or freeze.

At The Good Dog Blueprint, we use a low-pressure, high-reward approach to build a positive association with the leash from day one. Our goal is to ensure the puppy views the leash not as a restraint, but as a connection to you and a ticket to adventure.

Phase 1: Building a Positive Association (The Blueprint Setup)

Before you ever try to walk your puppy down the street, you must teach them to ignore the equipment and love the feeling of wearing it.

1. Introduce the Collar (A Snack Party)

The collar should be introduced first, without the leash.

The Tactic: Put the collar on your puppy just before a highly anticipated event, like feeding time or a vigorous play session.
The Reward: While they are eating or playing, they will quickly forget they are wearing it.
The Cleanup: Remove the collar right after the activity ends. This ensures the gear is always paired with something wonderful. Within a few days, your puppy won't even notice the collar is on.

2. The Leash Drag Game (Low-Pressure Habit)

Once the collar is accepted, introduce the leash indoors.

The Tactic: Attach a lightweight, 4-foot leash and allow the puppy to drag it around the house while you supervise closely (ensuring it doesn't snag on anything).
The Goal: The puppy needs to get used to the weight, sound, and feel of the leash trailing behind them. They may bite at it—just redirect them to a proper toy without making a fuss.
The Duration: Do this for short, supervised periods (5-10 minutes) over a couple of days until they treat the leash like it's a part of their body.

Phase 2: Introducing Handler Connection (The Foundation of Control)

Now that the puppy accepts the gear, you can introduce your hand as the communication point.

1. The Follow Game (High-Value Luring)

Use high-value rewards (like soft treats, cheese, or hot dogs) to encourage forward movement while holding the leash.

The Tactic: Crouch down and hold the leash loosely. Show the puppy a high-value treat, take a single step backward, and use a happy, inviting voice.
The Reward: The instant the puppy moves towards you, mark the movement ("Yes!") and deliver the treat right next to your leg.
The Progression: Take one step, reward. Take two steps, reward. Practice this until they willingly follow you a short distance with tension-free movement.

2. The Loose-Leash Rule (Stopping Resistance)

This is the first lesson in Freedom Within Boundaries: movement is only allowed when the leash is loose.

The Tactic: With the leash in your hand, take a step. If the puppy freezes or pulls against the leash, immediately stop and become a tree. Stand completely still.
The Signal: Wait. Do not speak. Do not pull back. Wait for the puppy to relieve the pressure themselves—even if it's just a tiny slackening of the line or a shift in weight back toward you.
The Payoff: The instant the leash goes slack, mark the moment ("Good!") and immediately resume walking. This teaches the puppy: Pulling stops movement. Loose leash starts movement. This simple rule is the foundation for all future manners.

Next Steps: Moving Outdoors

Once your puppy is happily following your loose leash indoors, you can move to a quiet area of your yard or a very low-distraction environment. Always keep the first few outdoor walks short, fun, and highly rewarding. The more success you build now, the faster you will achieve a confident, reliable walking partner.